Benzidine Test
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The benzidine test is used to detect small amounts of blood, primarily in feces. It involves applying a solution of benzidine, barium peroxide, and acetic acid to a smear of the sample, with a green color indicating the presence of blood.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Benzidine Test, is used for the detection of small amounts of blood, mainly in feces. To perform the test according to Gregersen, the feces to be examined is spread in a thin layer on a slide and several drops of the following solution are poured over it: benzidine 0.025 g, barium peroxide 0.1 g, 50% acetic acid - 5 cubic cm. In case of the presence of blood, even in traces, a green color appears. B. t. detects blood up to 1/100,000. Due to the high sensitivity of B. t., it is necessary for three days before the examination not to give the patient meat and large amounts of green vegetables. B. t. is of great importance for detecting hidden bleeding in cancer and stomach ulcer.
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“Benzidine Test.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/benzidine-test/