Diagnostic Laboratory Section

TEST FOR BILE PIGMENTS

Fouchet’s test

• For detection of bile pigments
  • Take 5 ml of urine and add an equal volume of 10% barium chloride solution.
  • Filter it, spread the filter paper and dry the precipitate.
  • Add 2 drops of Fouchet’s reagent.
  • A green or bluish green coloration indicates the presence of bile pigment.
  • Bile pigments are found in urine of all animals when liver disorder occurs.

Interpretation

• Moderate to severe hepatocellular damage
• Obstruction of bile ducts, extrahepatic or intrahepatic
• In early hepatocellular damage and haemolysis urine bilirubin may be negative.