SERATEC AmylaseTest
Immunochromatographic lateral flow assay for the forensic identification of salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) in biological stain extracts. For forensic use only.
Forensic Saliva Identification via Salivary Alpha-Amylase
The SERATEC AmylaseTest is an immunochromatographic rapid test for the detection of salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) in biological stain extracts. SAA is produced at high concentrations by the parotid and submandibular salivary glands and constitutes a major fraction of total salivary protein — making it the primary immunochemical marker for forensic saliva identification.
Unlike traditional colorimetric starch-iodine amylase tests, which detect amylase enzymatic activity without specificity for the human salivary isoform, the AmylaseTest uses immunochromatographic detection with antibodies specific to human salivary alpha-amylase. This provides greater specificity for saliva in forensic stain extracts compared with non-immunological methods.
The AmylaseTest delivers clear, interpretable results within approximately 5 to 10 minutes, supporting high-throughput evidence screening across sexual assault casework, bite mark analysis, and a broad range of forensic substrates without requiring specialist instrumentation.
Manufacturer: Seratec — seratec.com · Australian Distributor: Advanced Biotech Pty Ltd
Intended Use
Defined scope of application for the SERATEC AmylaseTest in professional forensic laboratory settings.
Forensic Saliva Identification
The SERATEC AmylaseTest is intended for the forensic identification of saliva in biological stain extracts recovered from crime scene evidence, sexual assault examination kits, bite mark evidence, reference samples, and other forensic materials submitted for body fluid analysis.
The test detects salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) as the primary immunochemical marker for human saliva, using antibodies specific for the salivary isoform of alpha-amylase. This immunochemical approach provides specificity for human saliva detection in forensic stain extracts.
The AmylaseTest is intended for use by trained forensic scientists and laboratory personnel operating within accredited forensic laboratory environments, in accordance with validated standard operating procedures.
Scope & Limitations
Indicated for: Forensic stain extract testing for saliva identification. Compatible with dried stains from fabric, swabs, cigarette butts, envelope seals, food items, drinking vessels, and other forensic substrates following validated extraction procedures.
Isoform specificity: Designed for highly specific detection of the salivary isoform of alpha-amylase. Specificity and known limitations — including potential cross-reactivity with pancreatic alpha-amylase — are described in the product IFU and should be considered during validation and casework interpretation.
Not indicated for: Clinical diagnostic use. Not a standalone confirmatory test. Results must be interpreted in the context of all casework information per laboratory SOP. For forensic use only.
Test Workflow
The AmylaseTest follows a standard lateral flow immunochromatographic workflow, compatible with routine forensic evidence processing procedures.
Evidence Receipt & Substrate Identification
Receive and log the forensic exhibit per laboratory chain-of-custody procedures. Identify the area of interest on the substrate — fabric cutting, swab, cigarette butt, envelope seal, or other item — for targeted sample preparation.
Stain Extract Preparation
Prepare the stain extract by eluting the substrate in the extraction buffer as specified in the product Instructions for Use. Ensure the extract volume and concentration are within the validated range prior to test application.
Sample Application
Apply the prepared stain extract to the sample well of the AmylaseTest lateral flow device in the volume specified in the IFU. Do not move or disturb the device during the lateral flow migration period.
Lateral Flow Migration
The sample migrates across the nitrocellulose membrane. SAA in the extract binds to the anti-SAA antibody conjugate and migrates to the test line region. The control line confirms adequate sample flow and validates reagent integrity for the test run.
Result Interpretation
Read the result at the time point specified in the IFU (approximately 5 to 10 minutes). Positive: visible test line alongside the control line — any visible intensity constitutes a positive. Negative: control line only, no test line. Invalid: no control line — repeat with a new device. Refer to the IFU for full interpretation criteria.
Documentation & Chain of Custody
Record the result, lot number, and read time in the laboratory case file per SOP. Positive results may proceed to confirmatory analysis or downstream DNA profiling as indicated by casework requirements.
Applications
Forensic settings and evidence types where the AmylaseTest is used for saliva identification and triage.
Sexual Assault Casework
Identification of saliva from oral swabs, neck and body swabs, and other exhibits in sexual assault examination kits where oral contact may have occurred, to guide DNA triage and profiling priorities.
Bite Mark Evidence
Detection of salivary alpha-amylase in bite mark swabs from skin and other substrates — a key application where identifying saliva deposition supports biological evidence collection from bite wound sites.
Envelope & Stamp Seal Analysis
Screening of envelope flap and stamp adhesive areas where saliva may have been deposited during sealing — a classical forensic application for identifying individuals through DNA recovered from saliva traces.
Cigarette Butt Screening
Rapid screening of cigarette butts and smoking materials for salivary alpha-amylase, enabling efficient triage of cigarette exhibits for subsequent DNA profiling from saliva-deposited cells.
Drinking Vessel & Food Item Analysis
Detection of saliva on drinking vessels, food items, and similar exhibits where oral contact may have deposited salivary material, supporting DNA evidence recovery in various forensic case types.
DNA Triage & Prioritisation
Pre-screening of forensic exhibits prior to DNA extraction to identify saliva-positive samples, enabling efficient laboratory resource allocation and prioritisation of the most probative exhibits.
Product Features
Designed for Specific SAA Detection
Detects the salivary isoform of alpha-amylase using specific antibodies. Specificity and known limitations are described in the product IFU and should be considered during validation and casework interpretation.
Rapid Result — 5 to 10 Minutes
Visible results within 5 to 10 minutes of sample application, enabling rapid saliva screening across high-volume forensic evidence submissions.
Broad Substrate Compatibility
Compatible with extracts from fabric, swabs, cigarette butts, envelope seals, food items, drinking vessels, and other forensic substrates per IFU-specified extraction procedures.
Built-In Process Control
Integrated control line on every device confirms adequate sample flow and reagent integrity. Invalid results are clearly indicated, preventing misinterpretation from failed test runs.
Improved Specificity Over Colorimetric Methods
Immunochromatographic detection of SAA addresses the non-specificity of colorimetric starch-iodine tests, which can yield positive results from non-salivary amylase sources including fecal material.
No Specialist Instrumentation
Visual result reading with no additional reader equipment required — compatible with resource-varied forensic laboratory environments and field-deployable settings.
Technical Specifications
| Product name | SERATEC AmylaseTest |
|---|---|
| Test format | Lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFA) |
| Target analyte | Salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) |
| Biological marker for | Saliva (salivary gland secretion) |
| Detection method | Immunochromatographic — antibodies specific to the salivary isoform of alpha-amylase |
| Sample type | Biological stain extract prepared per IFU |
| Substrate compatibility | Fabric, swabs, cigarette butts, envelope seals, food items, drinking vessels (refer to IFU for validated substrates) |
| Result time | Approximately 5 to 10 minutes (refer to IFU for validated read window) |
| Result interpretation | Visual — test line (T) and control line (C) on lateral flow membrane |
| Positive result | Visible test line (any intensity) in presence of valid control line |
| Negative result | Control line only; no visible test line |
| Invalid result | No control line visible — repeat test required |
| Storage temperature | 2–30°C (refer to product label and IFU) |
| Shelf life | Refer to product label and IFU |
| Regulatory category | Forensic — for forensic use only |
| Manufacturer | Seratec |
| Australian distributor | Advanced Biotech Pty Ltd |
Downloads
Product documentation for the SERATEC AmylaseTest. Contact Advanced Biotech to request the Instructions for Use and Safety Data Sheet.
The SERATEC AmylaseTest is a forensic rapid test. For forensic use only. This product is not approved or intended for clinical diagnostic use. Results must be interpreted by qualified forensic scientists or laboratory personnel operating within accredited forensic laboratory environments and in accordance with validated standard operating procedures.
The AmylaseTest is a presumptive test. Results should be considered in the context of all available casework information. Confirmatory testing and further forensic analysis should be conducted as appropriate per laboratory SOP and casework requirements. Australian Distributor: Advanced Biotech Pty Ltd — admin@advancedbiotech.com.au — 0413 654 860.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the SERATEC AmylaseTest forensic saliva identification test.
Salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) is a digestive enzyme produced at high concentrations by the parotid and submandibular salivary glands. SAA constitutes a major fraction of total salivary protein, making it the primary immunochemical marker for forensic saliva identification. The AmylaseTest detects SAA in biological stain extracts using an immunochromatographic assay with antibodies specific to the salivary isoform of alpha-amylase. For forensic use only.
The SERATEC AmylaseTest detects human salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) in biological stain extracts. The immunochromatographic assay uses antibodies specific to the salivary isoform of alpha-amylase, enabling specific detection of saliva in forensic evidence samples. For forensic use only.
Alpha-amylase is produced by both the salivary glands and the pancreas. SAA is present in saliva at high concentrations but is also found at lower concentrations in sweat, blood, urine, and other body fluids. Pancreatic amylase is present in fecal material. The AmylaseTest uses antibodies targeting the salivary isoform to improve specificity, but practitioners should interpret results in context of all available casework information and laboratory SOPs. For forensic use only.
The AmylaseTest is designed for use with biological stain extracts from forensic evidence including oral swabs from sexual assault examination kits, bite mark swabs, cigarette butts, envelope and stamp seals, drinking vessel swabs, food item extracts, and other substrates where saliva may be deposited. The stain is eluted in the extraction buffer specified in the IFU before application to the test device. Refer to the Instructions for Use for validated sample preparation procedures.
Traditional colorimetric starch-iodine amylase tests detect amylase enzymatic activity but lack specificity for the human salivary isoform and can yield positive results from non-salivary sources including fecal material and certain plant-derived substrates. The SERATEC AmylaseTest uses immunochromatographic detection with antibodies specific for human salivary alpha-amylase, providing greater specificity for saliva identification in forensic casework. For forensic use only.
Read the result at the time point specified in the IFU (approximately 5 to 10 minutes). Positive: visible test line (T) alongside the control line (C) — any visible intensity constitutes a positive. Negative: control line only, no visible test line. Invalid: no control line — repeat with a new device. Do not read results outside the validated time window. Refer to the IFU for full result interpretation criteria.
The SERATEC AmylaseTest produces results within approximately 5 to 10 minutes of sample application. Results must be read within the time window specified in the Instructions for Use. Do not interpret results before the minimum validated time or after the specified window has elapsed, as this may affect result accuracy.
The SERATEC AmylaseTest is distributed in Australia by Advanced Biotech Pty Ltd. Contact us to request pricing, pack sizes, availability, and product documentation including the Instructions for Use and Safety Data Sheet.
Enquire About the AmylaseTest
Contact Advanced Biotech Pty Ltd to request pricing, pack sizes, availability, and technical documentation for the SERATEC AmylaseTest in Australia.
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