Determination of alpha-amylase activity in duodenal contents with the blue starch polymer

The use of the blue starch polymer (Phadebas tablets) for the determination of duodenal alpha-amylase is described. 0.05% bovine or human albumin solutions are necessary for dissolution of substrate tablets as well as for dilution of duodenal contents. Concentration and output values of duodenal amylase before and after cholecystokinin-pancreozymin and secretin stimulation display a close correlation of the chromogenic and saccharogenic method. The average error of duodenal alpha-amylase in parallel examinations is low with both methods and their relative accuracy is practically the same. The chromogenic method is considered more simple and rapid.