Galactose (C₆H₁₂O₆ FW: 180.16) and lactose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ FW: 342.3) are naturally occurring sugars. Lactose consists of one galactose and one glucose. Some people, particularly infants, lack the enzyme necessary to digest galactose leading to galactose accumulation in blood (Galactosemia) causing enlarged liver, renal failure, cataracts and brain damage. BioVision’s Galactose / Lactose Assay Kit provides a simple, convenient means for direct measurement of galactose and lactose levels in various biological samples (serum, plasma, other body fluids, food, growth media, etc.). To detect Galactose, galactose oxidase specifically oxidizes free galactose, generating a product that reacts with the Galactose Probe to produce color (O.D 570nm) and fluorescence (Ex/Em 535/587). To detect lactose, lactose is hydrolyzed by lactase to generate free galactose which is then measured. Thus, Lactose level = Total Galactose – Free Galactose.