BENEDICTS TEST

DEFINITION: A test for detecting glucose in urine in which urine is heated with a blue solution containing sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, and copper
sulfate, producing a red, yellow, or orange precipitate in the presence of glucose.
Purposes:
1. Gauges the amount of sugar present in the urine.
2. To monitor the effectiveness of medication and other methods used to treat patients from illnesses arising from the detection of glucose in the
urine.
3. To confirm diagnosis of diabetes (gestational diabetes in pregnant women).
PROCEDURE
1. Collect urine specimen before meals.
2. Put 5 mL of Benedicts solution into the test tube and heat it.
3. Note for the color changes.
4. Add 8-10 drops of urine into the test tube with 5 mL Benedicts solution.
5. Heat the solution but do not boil.
6. Note and record for color changes.

RATIONALE
For greater accuracy
Heating will provide the energy for the reaction with Benedicts
indicator to occur.
Color indicates how much glucose is present. Presence of glucose
ranges from green (least) to red (abundant). Blue indicates no
glucose is present.
To verify the 1st finding.
Heating is enough to form a reaction.
Color indicates how much glucose is present.