Test Paper for Galactose in Urine

Abstract

Dahlqvist, A. Test Paper for Galactose in Urine. Scand. J. clin. Lab. Invest. 22, 87-93, 1968. Galactose excretion in the urine is an important symptom of hereditary galactose intolerance (galactosemia). Demonstration of galactose in urine with galactose oxidase would offer a more specific method of diagnosis of this disease than the methods which are currently being used. Urine contains inhibitors, however, which complicate the determination of galactose with galactose oxidase. The properties of these inhibitors have been studied. Their properties are similar to those of reduced glutathione, which substance may play an important role. A galactose oxidase test paper for galactose in urine is described in which the inhibitors are removed by adsorption before the sample reaches the colour reagent part. The test paper has high sensitivity for galactose, but does not react with glucose, lactose, or galactitol.