Automation of the assay of folate in serum and whole blood

• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.23.1.54
• Publication Date: 2007-06-09T04:50:46Z
• Authors: L. Millbank; R. E. Davis; Mary Rawlins; A. H. Waters
• Keywords: Autoanalysis; Erythrocytes; Spectrum Analysis; Culture Media; 3. Good health; Lactobacillus; 03 medical and health sciences; Folic Acid; 0302 clinical medicine; Methods; Humans; Biological Assay

An automated system is described for the microbiological assay of serum and red cell folate concentrations using a chloramphenicol-resistant strain L. casei. Both whole-blood haemolysates are assayed directly without previous deproteinization. Results by this method comparable to those obtained standard manual assays. Reproducibility within between assays excellent. Special advantages its simplicity operation, economy reagents, capacity dealing with large numbers specimens (80-100 per hour). The latter makes it especially suitable providing regional diagnostic service population surveys nutrition.