Determination of amylase activity and amylase isoenzymes in serum and urine using a solid phase blue starch substrate

The alpha-amylase of serum and urine was determined in 40 healthy people using the modified "Phadebas Amylase Test". The original method was modified by decreasing the incubation volume to one millilitre and by adding to all urine speciemens a small amount of albumin in saline. The normal values obtained are slightly higher than those obtained by the original method. The amylase isoenzymes were likewise determined from the serum and urine of the same 40 healthy people. For separation were used electrophoresis on cellulose acetate and Phadebas tablets as substrate. These urine and serum isoamylases were investigated and compared. The distributions obtained deviate somewhat from ones reported earlier. The clinical usefulness of isoamylase is briefly discussed.