Enzymatic Assay of Oxalate in Urine by Flow Injection Analysis Using Immobilized Oxalate Oxidase and Chemiluminescence Detection

A flow injection analysis (FIA) method for the assay of oxalate in urine samples is described, which utilizes an incorporated column reactor of immobilized oxalate oxidase. The hydrogen peroxide generated is detected by chemiluminescence via reaction with luminol and hexacyanoferrate(III). Special empasis is placed on the role of L-ascorbic acid, which has been claimed to constitute the most serious interference in these types of assays. The possible elimination af this constituent by addition of sodium nitrite, as previously used in batch procedures, did not improve the selectivity of the approach. The FIA approach described, which has a detection limit (3[sgrave]) of 34 μM in undiluted urine samples and allows a sampling frequency of ca. 55 s/h, is shown to offer itself as convenient and rapid means for screening purposes.