| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Assay Time | |
| Detection Method | |
| Product Type | |
| Sample Type(s) | Biological (serum, plasma etc), environmental (water, soil etc), food and beverage samples |
| Shipping | |
| Species | |
| Storage |
Overview
For quantitative determination of chromium Cr(VI). The assay uses OD480nm for signal readout. Compatible sample input includes Biological (serum, plasma etc), environmental (water, soil etc), food and beverage samples. Typical stated assay timing is 20 min.
Key elements and design rationale
- Readout format: OD480nm supports plate-based signal acquisition and consistent comparison across matched samples.
- Sample compatibility: The stated sample scope includes Biological (serum, plasma etc), environmental (water, soil etc), food and beverage samples, which is useful when aligning matrix type with calibration and control design.
- Analytical range context: The supplied specifications include a stated detection limit of 20 µg/L (0.38 µM, 0.02 ppm) for interpreting low-signal samples.
- Feature emphasis: Sensitive and accurate. Linear detection range of 20 – 2000 µg/L Chromium.
Additional feature notes highlight Convenient and high-throughput. Homogeneous “mix-incubate-measure” type assay. No wash and reagent transfer steps are involved. Can be readily automated for processing thousands of samples per day. Available format information for this listing includes 250 Tests.
Biological background
This product is centered on measurement of chromium within the matrices described for the assay. In practice, datasets from this type of format are typically interpreted by comparing relative signal, activity, or abundance across matched control and experimental groups rather than relying on a single value in isolation. Careful alignment of sample matrix, incubation window, and calibration strategy is important when comparing results across plates, operators, or study days.
More details
CHROMIUM is widely used in various industries such as electroplating, leather tanning, chrome paint, dying, hardened steel, ceramic and glass industry. Chromium exists in two stable oxidation states, hexavalent Cr(VI) and trivalent Cr(III). Cr(VI) is produced solely by industrial processes, whereas in nature, chromium exists in its trivalent form. Cr(III) is generally regarded as nontoxic due to poor absorption. Cr(VI) is considered a pulmonary carcinogen and has tested positive in genotoxicity tests. It is one of the most serious pollutants in many water streams due to its carcinogenic potential. Most countries apply a legal limit of 50-100 µg/L Cr in drinking water. BioAssay Systems Chromium Assay Kit provides a simple one-step colorimetric means to directly measure Cr(VI) in a sample. In the assay, Cr(VI) forms a stable complex with a specific chromogenic dye. The optical density at 480nm is directly proportionate to the Cr(VI) concentration in the sample. Cr(III) can be converted to Cr(VI) with nitric acid/hydrochloric acid, thus allowing the determination of Cr(III) or total Cr [Cr(III) + Cr(VI)] in the sample. The assay is sensitive with a detection limit of 20 µg/L Cr.
Detection method
Colorimetric (OD 480 nm).
Detection limit and analytical sensitivity
Reported detection limit: 20 µg/L (0.38 µM, 0.02 ppm).
Procedures and timing
Stated procedure or timing information: 20 min.
Research relevance and current trends
- Plate-based quantification and side-by-side group comparison remain central use cases for this assay format.
- The product notes emphasize multi-sample throughput, making it relevant for screening-oriented and larger batch comparison studies.
- Short assay timing and plate compatibility support time-course or repeated-measure collection plans when handling is kept consistent.
Common research applications
- Quantify chromium in biological (serum, plasma) by OD480 nm readout.
- Compare treatment or phenotype groups using matched biological (serum, plasma) handling.
- Monitor time-course or pre/post changes in biological (serum, plasma) across study conditions.
Interpretation is usually strongest when signal changes are assessed alongside matrix-matched controls, replicate agreement, and the assay's stated analytical window.
Notes for experimental interpretation
- Matrix composition, background signal, and sample handling can influence apparent response; compare like-with-like whenever possible.
- Use appropriate blanks, controls, and replicate wells to distinguish biological differences from plate, reagent, or handling variability.
We would like to measure chromium which is incorporated into blood as Cr-EDTA. Can we use this kit for such an application? Does EDTA interfere with this assay?
We have not explicitly tested the chromium assay kit for EDTA interference, but EDTA is likely to interfere with the formation of the colored chromium complex. However, the general sample treatment procedure (see data sheet) may destroy EDTA and release chromium, making it possible to use the assay for this purpose, but we have not tested that.
Could you give me more information about the application and sample preparation of the Cr (VI) kit in the analysis of food samples?
Our Chromium Assay Kit directly measures Cr(VI). Cr(VI) is fully soluble and can be easily extracted into water. Therefore, you only need to add water to your food sample, mix well, centrifuge (14,000 g for 10 min), or filtrate through a Whatman No. 42 paper and use the clear supernatant or filtrate as sample for assay. Since the Cr(VI) concentration in the sample is unknown, it is best to use small amount of water so as to achieve a relatively concentrated extract. If the Cr(VI) concentration in the extract is too high, one can dilute it in water and rerun the assay.
If you need to determine Cr(III) or total chromium in your sample, you would need to use the general procedure to convert Cr(III) to Cr(VI).
For laboratories requiring additional technical capacity, we provide scientific support services including assay execution, method guidance, product sourcing, and customization to align the assay with specific experimental objectives. If you need assistance selecting the appropriate kit configuration, adapting the workflow to your application, or identifying related research services, please click Talk to a Scientist, email support@biohippo.com, or review our Research Services; a member of our scientific team will follow up with recommendations tailored to your study.
Electrochemically-mediated selective capture of heavy metal chromium and arsenic oxyanions from water
Su, X., Kushima, A., Halliday, C., Zhou, J., Li, J., & Hatton, T. A. (2018). Electrochemically-mediated selective capture of heavy metal chromium and arsenic oxyanions from water. Nature communications, 9(1), 4701. Assay: Chromium in Environment.
