Thin layer chromatographic screening test for amino acid anomalies in urine without desalting using internal standards

Abstract

A two dimensional thin layer Chromatographic method for screening of urine samples for amino acid anomalies is described. In this method very small urine samples equivalent of 0.5 μg creatinine are directly chromatographed without desalting together with an internal amino acid standard. This method yields chromatograms with reproducibly located spot patterns. The detection limit for most of the amino acids is in the range of 250–500 μg/100 ml urine. About 40 amino acids and other ninhydrin positive substances can be identified on the chromatograms. Because of simple procedure, of simple identification, and of good sensitivity the test is a useful tool for screening programs.