Estimation of disaccharides in plasma and urine by gas-liquid chromatography

A technique for the estimation of disaccharides in plasma and urine using gas-liquid chromatography is described. The procedure involves the formation of trimethylsilyl derivatives followed by injection of the reaction mixture directly onto the column. The method is precise, linear over a wide range and gives recoveries of 93--99%. The limit of sensitivity is 80 micrograms per 100 ml, but with modification of the volumes used, levels of 40 micrograms per 100 ml may be quantitated.