Analysis of Amniotic Fluid by UV Derivative Spectrophotometry

A direct method for evaluating bilirubin, albumin and oxyhemoglobin in amniotic fluid, is described. The procedure, which uses first and second UV derivative spectrophotometry, was carried out on a number of human specimens and laboratory mixtures. Special attention was given to bilirubin analysis when investigating the effects of photodegradation and of contaminating blood obtained by amniocentesis. The bilirubin results were also compared with those obtained by currently used colorimetric and extractive methods. The accuracy and precision of the method were estimated.