Chemical assay of p-aminohippuric acid simplified by use of dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde in ethanol.

We have developed a new and simple method of p-aminohippuric acid determination by use of dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DACA). It differs from previous methods using DACA in that the reaction is carried out in ethanol rather than in dilute acid. This results in deeper and more stable color development. We have used this method successfully to determine effective renal plasma flow in a clinical study of this variable in pregnant women.