Lovibond® Cholinesterase AF267 Test Kit
Monitoring Exposure to Organic Phosphorus
Insecticides
The Lovibond® Cholinesterase Test Kit is designed for
rapid field-testing of exposure to organic phosphorus
insecticide and to alert users of these chemicals (farmers,
spray operators, research workers) to their absorption and
unsafe working practices. The kit is specified by the
World Health Organisation in its technical information sheet No
356, 1967. It is particularly useful for emergency use or
away from the laboratory.
The absorption of organic phosphorus
insecticides is accompanied by reduced levels of cholinesterase
enzyme activity in the blood, which, at normal levels,
will keep muscles, nerves and glands functioning properly.
Therefore, a measure of cholinesterase activity in the
blood as a percentage of the activity in normal blood serves as
an indication of the seriousness of exposure and potential
danger to health. Reduced levels of cholinesterase enzyme
activity can cause twitching of muscles and excessive secretion
of tears and saliva; weak breathing and feeble heartbeat
may also be encountered.
The AF 267 test kit uses simple equipment
and a straightforward colorimetric test method to give rapid
results of sufficient accuracy without the need for medical or
clinical expertise. A small blood sample is taken from
the person being tested for exposure to the insecticides;
following the addition of reagents, which develop a colour in
the sample ranging from green to yellow that is dependent on
the level of cholinesterase activity, the sample is visually
matched with glass colour standards in a test disc using the
Lovibond® Comparator 2000+. Each glass colour
standard represents a percentage of normal cholinesterase
activity, ranging from 0 - 100% in steps of 12.5%. The
results are analysed according to a simple table, indicating
the action that should be taken if over-exposure is found.
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Contents
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The kit is supplied in a rigid,
wooden carrying case and contains all reagents and
apparatus necessary for field-testing as well as
full instructions for carrying out the test:
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Lovibond® Comparator
2000+
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Polythene wash bottle (250 ml)
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Cholinesterase disc 5/30, 0 -
100% of normal cholinesterase activity
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Polythene volumetric flask (250
ml)
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3 precision optical glass cells
(2.5 mm)
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Box of 100 disposable swabs
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20 glass test tubes with rubber
bungs
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Box of 200 disposable blood
lancets
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Test tube rack with built-in
thermometer
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Glass stirring rod
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10 ml automatic pipette
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Test tube brush
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1000 disposable pipette tips
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Surgical gloves
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Glass beaker (250 ml)
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Spatula
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3 glass bottles with calibrated
pipette (60 ml)
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4 ampoules of bromothymol blue
powder (0.112 gm)
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Polythene measuring cylinder
(50 ml)
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Bottle of acetylcholine
perchlorate powder (25 gm) *
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Polythene bottle (500 ml)
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Step-by-step instruction
leaflet
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* Transport restrictions may make it
preferable for local supply of acetylcholine perchlorate
powder. Please enquire when ordering. Order Code 41 26 70