NEW DIMENSIONS IN LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF PANCREATIC DISEASE

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 69  (4) , 417-427
Abstract
The laboratory diagnosis of pancreatic disease was improved by certain modifications in older methods and by the introduction of various new technical procedures. The principal human isoamylases may now be distinguished and their activites in serum and urine measured. A test was devised which helped indicate the presence of acute pancreatitis by showing relatively increased excretion of amylase in the urine as compared with creatinine. The ratio of amylase to creatinine in the urine appears to be a good index of relative hyperamylasuria. A screening test for pancreatic-type hyperamylasuria was formulated that allows increased urinary excretion of this isoamylase to be identified. These additions and developments have improved the interpretation of hyperamylasemia and hyperamylasuria and the laboratory diagnosis of pancreatic disease.