The determination of leukocyte phagocytic oxidase activity by measurement of the initial rate of stimulated oxygen consumption.

A method for the estimation of leukocyte phagocytic oxidase activity is described, which is based upon the polarographic measurement of the initial rate of oxygen consumption of peripheral blood leukocyte suspensions during maximally active phagocytosis. Mean values are presented for 22 normal donors, and the effects of centrifugal force, serial washing, temperature of storage, and the presence of platelets in the incubation mixture are described and discussed.