Ehrlich's benzaldehyde reaction (with urobilinogen) 80 years later
Kleeberg, J.; Ehrlich, P.
Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie 20(8): 424-428
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-2771 PMID: 6753381 Document Number: 191274
The colour reaction of di-methyl-amido-benzaldehyde with metabolites in urine (especially with urobilinogen), discovered and published by Paul Ehrlich 80 years ago has lost nothing of its significance as a simple, practical, quick, qualitative test. It provides a diagnostic means in liver diseases, hemolytic processes, occlusion of the common bile duct, carcinoid and porphyrinopathies--of course, within the framework of the whole clinical picture. Despite the technical simplicity of the test, certain rules have to be adhered to. Ehrlich's aldehyde reagent has also won importance in chromatography. The modern test-strip technique permits an easy and rapid examination for urobilinogen (and bilirubin).