Phadebas is a synthetic biochemical substrate used for both qualitative and quantitative assessment of the α-amylase enzyme. Its active component is DSM-P, microspheres in which a blue dye has been chemically bound. When the substrate is digested by the amylase enzyme in solution, it releases that blue dye at a rate proportional to the quantity of the enzyme present. It is used in a range of applications from quality control tests for food & beverages to detection of saliva stains in forensic investigations. History The "Phadebas Amylase Test" (PAT) was the first product developed by Pharmacia Diagnostics and was launched in 1970. The name Phadebas is an abbreviation of Pharmacia Diagnostics Biologically Active Substances. In the 70s, PAT was used in hospitals worldwide as an in vitro diagnostics test for acute pancreatitis but the application was later outrivaled by automatic analysis systems. PAT is no longer marketed for the IVD-market and no longer upholds its EC-certificate. Even though the original application has vanished the product is still used as a colouring agent in some clinical assays. Phadebas does not play an active role in the later diagnosis in these assays. The semi-manual method of Phadebas proved to function in other applications outside of the IVD-market. The method was uptaken by forensic laboratories and by the food and chemical industry. In 2005 the company was acquired by Magle Life Sciences and in 2007, Phadebas Forensic was launched as a first diversification within the product family. Three years later, Phadebas Honey Diastase Test was launched resulting in totally eight products in the Phadebas portfolio. Applications Phadebas is used in a wide range of applications from quality control tests for food & beverages to detection of saliva stains in forensic investigation. Research and quality PAT is used for accurately determining α-amylase for a wide variety of industrial as well as academic applications, e.g.; α-amylase from detergents Biotech research & development (e.g., bacterial excretion of amylase) Dentistry applications Reagent for the clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis Specialty chemicals Forensics The Phadebas Forensic Press test is used as a presumptive test for saliva. Phadebas may be used to find saliva as a DNA source, or to identify the origin of a stain. The test is performed by placing paper bound with the Phadebas substrate to a sample, and applying pressure. It is a more sensitive and selective method to identify saliva stains than alternate light sources