Improved high-resolution high-voltage paper electrophoresis system for use in screening for aminoacidopathies.

High-voltage paper electrophoresis of small samples of serum and urine at pH 6.0 resolves basic and acidic amino acids and separates them from the neutral amino acids. For separation and identification of the neutral amino acids, the appropriate area of the electrophoretogram is cut out, sewn onto a second sheet of paper, and rerun at pH 1.9. By this method, amino acids are rapidly resolved. It is suited for use with special procedures such as oxidation of biological fluid with performic acid and specific staining for confirmation of amino acid identification.