Rapid measurement of creatine kinase activity in a coronary care unit using a portable benchtop reflectance photometer.

Rapid measurements of plasma creatine kinase activity using an inexpensive benchtop reflectance photometer (Ames Seralyzer) and disposable reagent strips were evaluated in the laboratory and coronary care unit. The system proved simple to use and capable of yielding rapid (four minutes per analysis), precise (coefficient of variation less than 9%), and accurate results (correlation with routine method 0.995) when used by medical staff. Creatine kinase values were available 6.5-102 hours earlier than routine laboratory data, depending on the time and day of sampling, thereby facilitating appropriate and economic patient management. This instrument might be used to supplement the routine enzyme service for selected admissions, resulting in greatly improved availability of results and hence contributing to the early discharge of patients from intensive care facilities.