A rapid test for the determination of lactate in urine is described, which differentiates adequately between normal and elevated urine lactate levels. The method depends on the enzymatic decolourization of the blue dye dichlorophenolindophenol by lactate in the presence of the enzyme L-lactate cytochrome c oxidoreductase (EC 1.1.2.3). Interference by vitamin C is prevented by pre-treatment with charcoal. The test is simple and inexpensive, and a compact testing unit, which is stable and convenient for most laboratories, can be assembled in a glass capillary.
