The Jaffe reaction is used to measure which analyte?

The Jaffe reaction is used to measure which analyte?

• A. Urea
• B. Uric acid
• C. Ammonia
• D. Creatinine

Answer: (D)

The Jaffe reaction is a colorimetric method that measures creatinine by its reaction with picric acid in alkaline solution, forming a colored creatinine-picrate complex whose intensity reflects the creatinine concentration. This makes it a traditional test for creatinine levels in serum, plasma, or urine and helps estimate kidney function. While other substances can sometimes interfere and cause bias, the assay is specifically used to quantify creatinine, not urea, uric acid, or ammonia, which require different methods.

The Jaffe reaction is a colorimetric method that measures creatinine by its reaction with picric acid in alkaline solution, forming a colored creatinine-picrate complex whose intensity reflects the creatinine concentration. This makes it a traditional test for creatinine levels in serum, plasma, or urine and helps estimate kidney function. While other substances can sometimes interfere and cause bias, the assay is specifically used to quantify creatinine, not urea, uric acid, or ammonia, which require different methods.