A simple system for enzymatic flow-injection analysis of metabolites is described, which is based on the phosphorescence lifetime based detection of molecular oxygen using phase-modulation techniques and a simple instrument - phosphorescence phase detector equipped with a fibre-optic probe. The phase detector is connected to the oxygen sensor membrane and allows real-time continuous monitoring of the phosphorescence phase shift. This parameter is related to the phosphorescence lifetime of the oxygen probe, therefore giving a measure of the dissolved oxygen concentration, and its changes as a result of the enzymatic oxidative reaction with the substrate. The sensor membrane is positioned in a compact integrated flow-through cell and exposed to the flow stream.