Laboratory research methods in medicine allow you to see the presence of inflammatory processes in the body or indicate specific diseases (for example, pathologies of the blood system, the presence of kidney failure, lack of digestive enzymes, diabetes mellitus). Sometimes, thanks to the analysis, you can understand the cause of the violation (viral or microbial agent).
There are many methods for assessing the qualitative and quantitative composition of urine. These include the following: general analysis, test of Sulkovich, Nechiporenko, Zimnitsky, Addis-Kakovsky, Amburge, etc. Each of these methods helps to suspect a certain pathology of the genitourinary system, as well as the presence of other diseases.
Sulkovich test - what is it used for?
The Sulkovich urine test is designed to determine its calcium content. This method is used for suspected rickets. The disease is associated with abnormal bone formation due to a lack of calcium in the body. This pathology is widespread among infants who do not receivea prophylactic dose of vitamin D or is experiencing a lack of sunlight. Sulkovich's test in this case is a relative, not an absolute indicator, so the diagnosis of rickets only with its help is not correct. More often this analysis is used to control the dose of vitamin D and avoid its overdose, which is manifested by hypercalcemia.
How dangerous is hypercalcemia?
The state in which the body finds itself with an excess of calcium is very dangerous. It is accompanied by many diseases, for example, hypervitaminosis, hormonal disorders, sarcoidosis, tumors, etc. Excess calcium leads to the defeat of all organs and systems, but the bones, central nervous system, intestines and blood vessels suffer the most. The pathological condition is expressed by a violation of consciousness (up to coma), weakness or muscle tension, arterial hypertension, a decrease in heart rate, the appearance of kidney stones, deterioration of glomerular filtration. Since calcium is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, an increase in its level leads to digestive disorders, including nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In the skeletal system, tissue thickening occurs, which is accompanied by movement disorders and pain.
Sulkovich's test. Results transcript
In order to avoid such dangerous conditions as hyper- and hypocalcemia, Sulkovich's test is performed. The mechanism of the procedure consists in introducing a special substance into the urine of the patient,which contains oxalic acid. If calcium is present in the analysis, the Sulkovich reagent interacts with it, which is determined in the form of a cloudy precipitate. The sample is evaluated on a five-point system (from 0 to 4). In this case, average values are considered normal. Both with an increased and a reduced calcium content in the body, the result will be shown by the Sulkovich test. Explanation:
1. The complete absence of reaction (transparency of urine) allows you to put 0 points. This result indicates hypocalcemia, in this case, the Sulkovich test is negative.
2. A slight degree of turbidity indicates 1-2 points. This is a normal result, that is, the amount of calcium in the body is sufficient.
3. With very cloudy urine, 3 and 4 degrees are exhibited. This suggests hypercalcemia.
Indications for testing
Sulkovich's test is a common diagnostic method that is used to detect many pathologies. Many specialists prescribe this analysis, most often they are nephrologists, endocrinologists, oncologists, gastroenterologists, neuropathologists. Such a number of specialists is due to the fact that the symptoms of excess or lack of calcium are expressed in the defeat of all systems, so it is necessary to conduct a qualitative differential diagnosis. The indications are as follows: suspicion of hyper- or hypothyroidism, sarcoidosis, increased intake of vitamins D and A. In oncological practice, this test is used to detect calcium-producing tumors that can be located inany organ, most often in the thyroid gland. The Sulkovich test in children is necessary to control the use of vitamin D, which is widely used in pediatric practice to prevent rickets.
Analysis Collection Technique
When assigning this laboratory test, parents have questions about what Sulkovich's test is, how to take an analysis, why it is needed, etc. Urine utensils must be dry and clean, as this factor may contribute to an incorrect result. Before collecting the analysis, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the genitals with soap and water. Then release a small stream of morning urine into the toilet, the rest into the dishes. Before taking the test, you must limit yourself to the use of mineral water, dairy products, herbs, alcoholic beverages and coffee. Violation of this rule leads to a false positive Sulkovich test. Limiting calcium-rich foods is recommended for 3 days before the test.
Principles for the treatment of hyper- and hypocalcemia
With a sharply positive or negative Sulkovich test, proper drug therapy is necessary. With hypercalcemia, it is important to first find out the cause of the disease. If vitamin D is the culprit, then it should be discontinued. With a negative test, sour-milk products, protein foods, ground eggshells are shown. Calcium supplements must be administered under strict supervision so that the opposite symptoms do not develop.
