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Pandy’s test procedure (Pandy test) is a protein estimation test that determines elevated proteins, particularly globulins in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).
Background
The Pandy reaction was devised by Pándy Kálmán, a neurologist from Hungary, born in 1868 in Ókígyós.
Kalman’s clinical chemistry methods stand the test of practice even 85 years after their introduction. His Pándy’s carbolic acid liquor protein detection procedure, entered literature and the everyday life of laboratories as the Pándy test reaction.
The neurologist reported on his liquor protein detection method at the Budapest Royal Medical Association, published in the Neurologisches Zentralblatt in 1910. The report comprised a simple, fast, and reliable 6.6% carbolic acid test performed with little liquor. The method is cited in the most modern clinical chemistry books published today because of its historical interest and because it is recommended for routine diagnostics.
Related: Rivalta test for protein estimation
Pandy’s test principle
A saturated solution of phenol in water precipitates proteins. To precipitate means to deposit in solid form.
In Pandy reaction, a saturated solution of phenol in water (7%) precipitates globulins and albumin.
The reagent/ phenol used is called Pandy’s reagent and comprises carbolic acid crystals dissolved in water. You can also use Cresol or pyrogallic acid.
Preparation of Pandys reagent (500 ml)
Pandy’s reagent is a chemical solution used in Pandy’s test to detect the presence of elevated protein levels in CSF. It is made by creating a saturated solution of phenol in water, which involves dissolving carbolic acid crystals in water.
Procedure
- Weigh 30 g of phenol and transfer it into a conical flask or 1000 ml bottle.
- Add 500ml o distilled water into the flask and shake vigorously.
- Leave the preparation to stand for 24 hours. The time allows the phenol to dissolve in the water and reach saturation.
- After 24 hours, check if some phenol remains undissolved. If so, the solution is ready and can be filtered.
- If all the phenol has dissolved, add more (10g) and wait another 24 hours before filtering.
The entire procedure should be carried out in safety gloves, and wash your hands with soap and water after finishing.
Pandy Test requirements
- Disposable gloves
- Dark background
- Pandys reagent
- Pasteur pipettes
- Test tube
- Pipettes
Pandy’s test procedure
- Weigh 30 g of phenol and transfer it into a conical flask or 1000 ml bottle.
- Add 500ml o distilled water into the flask and shake vigorously.
- Leave the preparation to stand for 24 hours. The time allows the phenol to dissolve in the water and reach saturation.
- After 24 hours, check if some phenol remains undissolved. If so, the solution is ready and can be filtered.
- If all the phenol has dissolved, add more (10g) and wait another 24 hours before filtering.
Pandy’s test interpretation
If the solution becomes cloudy or turbid, it indicates elevated globulin protein levels in the CSF, which is considered a positive result. The normal range of protein in CSF is 0.20 to 0.45 g/litre, and a positive Pandy’s test result occurs when protein levels exceed 0.45 g/litre.
Elevated protein levels in CSF suggest an infection, an inflammatory, or an autoimmune disease. Common conditions include multiple myeloma and meningitis.
Multiple myeloma is a type of bone marrow cancer that damages the immune system, bones, and red blood cell count. Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes of the spinal cord and brain; bacterial or viral infections cause it.
A Pandy test positive result may also indicate Diabetes mellitus, Brain tumors, Multiple sclerosis, Acute purulent Meningitis, Syphilis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, Cushing’s disease, Connective tissue disease, Uremia, Myxedema, or Cerebral hemorrhage.
If you observe no cloudiness or turbidity, the CSF is normal, i.e., protein levels. Note pathological conditions like brainstem glioma, viral CNS infection, or ischemic cerebrovascular accident show negative Pandy’s test results.
Related: Biochemistry tests list A-Z.
FAQ
What is a Pandy reaction?
Pandy reaction is a reaction that occurs when testing for elevated CSF proteins in Pandy test. The reaction involves the precipitation of proteins in a phenol solution.
What is the normal range of protein in CSF?
The normal range of protein in CSF is 0.20 to 0.45 g/litre.
Pandys test is used in is used in determination of
Elevated proteins, particularly globulins in CSF.
What is the clinical significance of CSF protein?
CSF protein levels, whether higher or lower than normal, can help your doctor diagnose a range of conditions.
Is Pandy’s reagent safe to handle?
No, Pandy reagent is a highly corrosive and toxic solution and should be labeled and handled with care
