Isham C A, Ridgeway N A, Hedrick R, Cate J C
Clin Chem. 1984 May;30(5):741-2.
We evaluated the polyethylene glycol precipitation test (Gastroenterology 83: 378-382, 1982), looking for macroamylase in the serum of 66 patients whose values for serum amylase were above normal. Three patients (4.5%) were identified by this method as having macroamylase , and this was confirmed by gel-filtration chromatography and electrophoresis. We find this to be the test of choice as a screening procedure for macroamylasemia because of its speed, simplicity, and apparent reliability. Diagnosis of macroamylasemia is important in preventing needless treatment and investigation for pancreatitis.
