Enzymatic reagent system for total cholesterol assay using oxygen-rate method

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 1.
A cholesterol assay enzymatic reagent for rate determination of cholesterol in a sample to be assayed of the type comprising cholesterol oxidase, and a buffering agent in an amount to produce a solution having a pH of between about 5.
5 and about 8, characterized in that said reagent further comprises means for neutralizing substantially all oxygen consumption inhibiting effects of inhibiting effects present in said sample to be assayed, said means consisting of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt in an amount sufficient to neutralize substantially all oxygen consumption inhibiting effects of inhibiting agents present in said sample to be assayed.
2.
A freeze dried cholesterol assay enzymatic reagent, said freeze dried reagent prepared from the reagent of claim 1.
3.
A cholesterol assay enzymatic reagent for rate determination of cholesterol in a sample to be assayed comprising: (a) from about 0.
2 to about 5 International Units of cholesterol oxidase per milliliter of reagent; (b) from about 0 to about 5 International Units of cholesterol esterase per milliliter of reagent; (c) from about 0.
01 to about 0.
4 percent by weight of said reagent of an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt; and (d) a buffering agent in an amount to produce a solution having a pH of between about 5.
5 and about 8.
4.
The reagent of claim 3 wherein said alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt is selected from a group consisting of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride and mixtures thereof, wherein said alkyl moiety contains from 8 to 18 carbon atoms.
5.
The reagent of claim 3 wherein said alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt is a mixture comprising about 50% of sodium tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, about 40% of sodium dodecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and about 10% of sodium hexadecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride.
6.
A cholesterol assay enzymatic reagent for rate determination of cholesterol in a sample to be assayed comprising: (a) a buffering agent in an amount to produce a solution having a pH of about 6; (b) about 1