Correspondence
A. Basak,E-mail: drabasak1@yahoo.com Tel.: +919422842241

Introduction: Ketone bodies are found in an increased quantity in Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and in Starvation and Alcohol induced ketoacidosis. The estimation of ketone bodies is of prime importance for the proper management of these conditions. We had developed the formulation of a solid phase single reagent for the detection of ketone bodies in urine / plasma so that anyone who was interested could prepare the reagent on their own, thus, adding to the cost cutting of investigation and self- reliance.
Aim: To develop a sensitive solid phase single reagent for the detection of ketone bodies in urine, to replace the commonly done, multiple step Rothera’s test.
Materials And Methods: Sodium nitroprusside, glycine, disodium hydrogen phosphate and lactose for preparation of the reagent and acetone solutions of different concentrations for testing.
Results: The final composition of the reagent is as follows:
The maximum colour development was found with a homogeneous powder of Glycine: 2.5gm, Lactose: 1gm, Disodium hydrogen phosphate: 4 gm and Sodium nitroprusside: 400mg. It gives lavender to dark purple colour with increasing concentrations of acetone. The lowest concentration detectable by this reagent was found to be 5mg/dL of acetone.
Discussion: This reagent detects acetone semi-quantitatively and acetoacetate in plasma, but not β-hydroxybutyrate. This is helpful to the patient in ketoacidosis. This preparation can also differentiate between the plasma of a normal person and a DKA patient.
Conclusion: A sensitive solid phase single reagent for the detection of ketone bodies has been successfully developed.

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