Tyrosine markedly attenuates the chemiluminescence output intensity from the 4-iodophenol enhanced chemiluminescence assay system in a manner consistent with competition between the amino acid and luminol for the 4-iodophenoxy radical. This effect provides the basis for a sensitive assay of tyrosine. Interference by the other amino acids has been assessed; major interference by cysteine can be removed by incubation with iodoacetic acid.