Experiences with a new assay for pancreas specific alpha-amylase

The evaluation of an enzymatic colorimetric method to measure pancreas amylase activity in serum using two monoclonal antibodies that specifically inhibit salivary amylase is described. The assay is quick, easy to perform and can be automated easily. Within-run and day-to-day precision studies gave CVs of less than or equal to 1.5 p. cent and less than or equal to 2.6 p. cent respectively. The test is linear up to 2,150 U/L. Salivary amylase activities up to 20,000 U/L did not contribute more than 2 p. cent to pancreatic amylase activity present in a serum sample. A significant interference by bilirubin is found. Reference values were established for both pancreatic and total amylase activities in serum and used for interpreting the results of pancreatic amylase and total amylase in 72 randomly selected patients. Results obtained by this method agree well with a lectin inhibition method (r = 0.9886).