Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Multi-enzyme Screening Using a High-throughput Genetic Enzyme Screening System
08:10

Multi-enzyme Screening Using a High-throughput Genetic Enzyme Screening System

Published on: August 8, 2016

Screening for macroamylase in a community hospital

C A Isham, N A Ridgeway, R Hedrick

    Clinical Chemistry
    |May 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    The polyethylene glycol precipitation test effectively screens for macroamylasemia, a condition where macroamylase is present in serum. This simple test helps avoid unnecessary investigations for pancreatitis.

    Area of Science:

    • Clinical Chemistry
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Elevated serum amylase levels can be caused by macroamylasemia.
    • Accurate diagnosis of macroamylasemia is crucial to prevent unnecessary medical interventions for pancreatitis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the efficacy of the polyethylene glycol precipitation test for detecting macroamylase in patients with elevated serum amylase.
    • To establish a reliable screening method for macroamylasemia.

    Main Methods:

    • Serum samples from 66 patients with above-normal serum amylase were tested using the polyethylene glycol precipitation test.
    • Positive results were confirmed using gel-filtration chromatography and electrophoresis.

    Main Results:

    • The polyethylene glycol precipitation test identified macroamylasemia in 3 out of 66 patients (4.5%).
    • Confirmation by gel-filtration chromatography and electrophoresis validated the test's findings.

    Conclusions:

    • The polyethylene glycol precipitation test is a fast, simple, and reliable screening procedure for macroamylasemia.
    • Early diagnosis of macroamylasemia can prevent needless investigations and treatment for pancreatitis.

    More Related Videos

    Screening and Isolation of C-Glycoside-Cleaving Intestinal Bacteria06:38

    Screening and Isolation of C-Glycoside-Cleaving Intestinal Bacteria

    Published on: February 28, 2025

    A Simple and Rapid Method for Simultaneous Isolation of Primary Islets and Primary Pancreatic Acinar Cells from Mice14:39

    A Simple and Rapid Method for Simultaneous Isolation of Primary Islets and Primary Pancreatic Acinar Cells from Mice

    Published on: January 9, 2026

    Related Concept Videos

    Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis01:25

    Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis

    Type 2 diabetes mellitus develops gradually and is often asymptomatic in early stages.Clinical ManifestationsWhen symptoms appear, they include fatigue, blurred vision, pruritus, delayed wound healing, and recurrent infections, particularly candidal infections. Peripheral neuropathy may present as numbness or tingling in the extremities. Classic hyperglycemia symptoms—polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia—are less common. Most patients are overweight and frequently have associated hypertension...