Adler Reaction on Blood Pigment
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The Adler reaction is a highly sensitive test for blood based on the catalytic action of the iron-containing part of hemoglobin on hydrogen peroxide (or barium) in the presence of benzidine, which oxidizes to form a blue substance. It is widely used in clinical practice to detect blood in excretions, particularly in cases of so-called hidden gastrointestinal bleeding.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
ADLER REACTION ON BLOOD PIGMENT (Adler), based on the catalytic action of the iron-containing part of hemoglobin on hydrogen peroxide (or barium) in the presence of benzidine, which oxidizes to form a substance of blue color. The Adler reaction belongs to the most sensitive reactions for blood and is widely applied in clinical practice for detecting blood in excretions, especially in cases of so-called hidden bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, mainly in the following modification by Gregersen: a freshly prepared solution of 0.025 benzidine and 0.1 barium peroxide in 5 cubic centimeters of 50% acetic acid is applied in the amount of 1-2 drops to a smear of the feces being examined; in the presence of blood, a blue coloring is obtained.
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“Adler Reaction on Blood Pigment.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/adler-reaction-on-blood-pigment/