Use of an enzymatic kit method for cholesterol, designed for continuous-flow instrumentation, with discrete bichromatic and centrifugal analyzers.

I examined a cholesterol-assay kit ("Autoflo", Biodynamics/bmc) designed for use with continuous-flow instrumentation for its use with some discrete analyzers. At pH 7.2, color develops within 3 min upon exposure to cholesterol, then begins to fade. At pH 8, the color develops more slowly but remains stable for at least 15 min after reaching a maximum. A pH 8.8, the color develops still more slowly and standards and patients' sera behave differently. Reagent at pH 7.2 is preferred because assays can be completed most rapidly, but pH 8 reagent must be used with instruments requiring longer periods of incubation. Cholesterol assays can be performed accurately, rapidly, reproducibly, and at low cost with an Abbott ABA-50 and pH 7.2 reagent or with a Gemeni Centrifugal Analyzer and the pH 8 reagent.