[Determination of alpha-amylase activity using a new chromogenic substrate]

alpha-Amylase activity was measured with the use of a new chromogenic insoluble substrate, Testamyl, developed and manufactured by Kemotex, Tallinn, Estonia. Reproducibility trials of the new method have demonstrated a low coefficient of variations within a lot (4.4%) and among the lots (3.5%). alpha-Amylase activity values obtained with the use of Testamyl and by other technique are in good correlation. Routine laboratory equipment is employed in the test; this permits use of Testamyl kits for measurements of alpha-amylase activities in the blood serum and urinary samples both at laboratories of specialized treatment and diagnosis institutions and at clinical laboratories. The method is convenient for rapid diagnosis.