The kit assay will only measure free, non-covalently linked monosaccharides. Oligosaccharides or polysaccharides can be measured after hydrolysis to monosaccharides. Generally acid hydrolysis can be achieved by boiling the oligo/polysaccharide in 1.3 M HCl for 1 h. It is recommended that scientific literature is consulted for information on hydrolysis conditions for the particular oligo/polysaccharide that is being measured.