An enzyme-amplified lanthanide luminescence assay of alkaline phosphatase was described. Optimization of important factors in this assay was studied. Improvement of stability of signal/noise ratio by using methyl silicon oil (I) was first reported. The sensitivity and the accuracy of the assay were 4 U/L and < 10%, respectively. The concentration range corresponding to 10% precision was 2.00 similar to 3.02 x 10(2) U/L. The activity of alkaline phosphatase in serum was also detected and the recovery was 93% similar to 95%. 5-fluorosalicyl phosphate was synthesized and used as substrate.