Organ Functions Tests Question And Answers

Organ Functions Tests

Question 1. Explain the van den Bergh test
Answer:

• Van den Bergh test is used to identify an increase in serum bilirubin

Reagent Used:

• A mixture of equal volumes of sulfanilic acid in dilute HCI & sodium nitrate

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Principle:

• Diazotized sulfanilic acid reacts with bilirubin to form a purple-colored azobilirubin

Reactions:

1. Direct reaction

• Detects conjugated bilirubin
• Conjugated bilirubin is water soluble
• Thus it immediately gives purple color with the van den Bergh reagent
• This is referred to as a direct reaction

2. Indirect reaction

• Detects Unconjugated bilirubin
• Unconjugated bilirubin is water insoluble
• The addition of methanol makes it water soluble after which it gives a positive van den Bergh reaction
• This is called an indirect reaction

3. Biphasic

• Useful when serum contains both conjugated & Unconjugated bilirubin
• It gives an immediate reaction

Reactions to Jaundice: