Rapid estimation of amylase activity of serum by turbidimetry.

HE CHOICE OF RAPID METHODS for estimation of serum amylase activity is limited (1). Such methods depend upon the change in color of starch with iodine brought about by splitting of the starch by the enzyme. it is often difficult to establish an end point visually by this reaction in partially digested starch solutions, especially by those whose experience with the method is limited. Furthermore, the use of solutions of elemental iodine in laboratories in which microanalytical methods for iodine are applied introduces a considerable hazard of contamination to the latter. Favorable experience with the turbidimetric method of Waldron for measuring the amylase activity of pancreatic juice suggested that this procedure might be adapted to the rapid estimation of amylase activity of serum. The present paper describes such a method and offers evidence that it is capable of detecting elevation of amylase activity in serum. This approach to the estimation of amylase activity of serum has received little attention. A turbidimetric method for measurement of serum amylase activity was described by Jacobsson and Hansen, who used dextrin as a substrate. Their method called for a 30-minute period of incubation and removal of protein before turbidimetric measurement of dextrin concentration. The method to be described requires less time