[Test strips for the rapid determination of alpha-amylase in urine. A cooperative study].

The value of a test-strip for the rapid determination of alpha-amylase in urine (Rapignost-Amylase) was tested at eleven different centres in four countries (Austria, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland) on a total of 1294 urine samples. Results were compared with those obtained by chromolytic and saccharogenic methods. The analytical efficiency of amylase determination in urine with the test-strip was 96%. There were 3.7% false-positive and 0.4% false-negative results. The test-strip readings were not influenced by erythrocytes or haemoglobin, glucose, protein, urobilinogen, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, codeine, amphetamine and ascorbic acid. Only bilirubin in very dark urine samples interfered with a correct reading of the test-strip.