Bile Salts test principle and procedure (Hay's Test Method)

Hay’s test for bile salts:

Hay’s test is also know for as Hay's sulphur flower and it is a specific test used for the qualitative detection of bile salts in urine sample. Normally,Bile salt will appear in the urine samples of patients suffering from jaundice Or a Liver disease such as Hepatitis . It consists of a watery mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. Bile acids are cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid (white crystalline substance which are primary bile acid that are insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol and acetic acid) which form conjugation with glycine and taurine. These two bile acids combine with sodium and potassium to form bile salts. Bile salts are sodium or potassium taurocholate, and sodium or potassium glycocholate.So Hay's test is a chemical test used for detecting the presence of bile salts in urine samples.

Hay’s Test principle 

 Bile salts  reduces the surface tension of urine. So for a positive test, If Bile salts is present in urine sample and a measured amount of sulphur powder is added to the urine sample in a  test tube, the sulphur powder will sink to the bottom of the test tube.in case of a negative test,the Sulphur powder will floats on the surface of the Urine sample.

Reagent Required

• Sulphur Powder

Procedure

• Obtain a 5 -6  ml of urine sample in a test tube.The Volumes depends on you.
•  Gently Sprinkle  the Sulphur powder on the surface of the Urine sample.

Observation

• Positive Test

If the Sulphur powder sink down to the bottom of the test tube, This indicates a positive test for the presence of Sulphur 

• Negative Test

If the Sulphur powder floats on the surface of the urine,this definitely indicates the a negative test hence absence of bile salts in the urine sample.

Bile salt test using Hay's Test Method

Precautions

Always respect laboratory rules and regulation!

• Always work in aseptic condition.
• Always make sure the laboratory apparatus are wash and dry to avoid posible contamination
• Carefully handle all the chemicals found in the laboratory even distilled or tap water.
• Wearing of personal Protective equipment such as gloves,googles and lab jackets is obligatory
• Avoid touching urine samples with your barehands
• After experiment clean your working surfaces and place the apparatus in their respective place.

If you successfully carry out the above test,lets us know your experience and difficulties also you can share this procedures with your friends!

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