HPLC qualitative amino acid analysis in the clinical laboratories

The authors have developed a rapid system for qualitative amino acid analysis by high-pressure liquid chromatography for use in the clinical laboratory. Reverse-phase, linear gradient, high-pressure liquid chromatography of stable dansyl chloride derivatives is accomplished with a C-18 column over 30 minutes, with ultraviolet detection. The resulting chromatograms are compared with template chromatograms that reflect high normal levels of serum and urine amino acids. Large elevations of amino acids associated with inborn errors of metabolism are easily pinpointed, with identification of specific amino acids made by the relative retention times. This technic makes available a rapid and specific qualitative method for investigation of aminoacidopathies and uses versatile and standard liquid chromatography equipment.