Which method is commonly used to determine creatinine levels?

Which method is commonly used to determine creatinine levels?

• A. Enzymatic assay
• B. Jaffe's reaction
• C. Colorimetric method
• D. UV spectrophotometry

Answer: (B)

The method commonly used to determine creatinine levels is based on Jaffe's reaction. This colorimetric technique involves the reaction of creatinine with alkaline picrate to form a colored complex. The intensity of the color produced is directly proportional to the concentration of creatinine in the sample. This makes it a reliable and widely utilized method for quantifying creatinine, particularly in clinical laboratories.

While enzymatic assays and other colorimetric methods may also be used to measure creatinine, Jaffe's reaction remains the traditional and most recognized method due to its simplicity, speed, and effectiveness in clinical practice. UV spectrophotometry, on the other hand, is not typically employed for direct measurement of creatinine levels, as it does not specifically target creatinine and may be influenced by other chromophores present in the sample. Thus, Jaffe's reaction is considered the standard approach for creatinine determination in clinical settings.