Vitali's Reaction
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Vitali's reaction is a chemical test used to detect pus in the urine based on the color change produced by guaiac resin. When layered over an acidified urine sediment containing pus, it produces a blue coloration without the addition of turpentine. The reaction fails after preliminary boiling.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
VITALI'S REACTION (Vitali), a test for pus in the urine. One cubic centimeter of the sediment of acidic or, if necessary, acidified urine is layered with a tincture of guaiac resin without the addition of turpentine. In the presence of pus, a blue coloration appears after a short time. If there is little pus, it can be collected on a small filter and a few drops of the guaiac tincture dropped onto it, resulting in a blue coloration of the inner surface of the filter. After preliminary boiling, the reaction does not occur.
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Cite this page
“Vitali's Reaction.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/vitalis-reaction/