Simplified alpha1-antitrypsin phenotyping by immunofixation of acid-starch gels.

Immunofixation of acid-starch gels represents a simplified method for alpha1-antitrypsin phenotyping. This technique reduces the amount of work and time involved in phenotyping by eliminating the need for crossed-immunoelectrophoresis. Its major purpose is to directly enhance the staining quality of the minor bands, especially the Z bands on the acid-starch gel. It is hoped that this modified method will allow more wide-spread use of antitrypsin phenotyping, especially in the routine clinical chemistry laboratory.