Analysis of individual bile acids and their glycine/taurine conjugates by high-performance thin-layer chromatography and densitometry.

We have investigated a thin-layer chromatography method for the quantitative measurement of free and conjugated bile acids in duodenal juice. Evaluation of solvent systems and colour spray reagents has enabled us to select conditions which improve the resolution, sensitivity and colour stability of the method. The modified method, using high-performance thin-layer chromatography and densitometry, is rapid, accurate, reproducible and practicable. The technique deserves wider routine use.