The Abderhalden reaction is a biochemical test used to detect specific substances or antibodies in biological fluids, primarily blood serum or urine. This reaction is named after the Swiss biochemist Emil Abderhalden, who developed this method in the early 20th century.
The Abderhalden reaction is based on the principle that when certain substances or antibodies are present in the sample, they can react with specific enzymes or co-factors to produce a visible or measurable change. This change can be observed through color development, precipitation, or turbidity in the test solution.
This reaction is widely used in clinical and diagnostic laboratories, particularly in the field of immunology, to detect various substances such as hormones, enzymes, drugs, or antigens. It is also used in the identification and diagnosis of certain diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.
The Abderhalden reaction can be performed using different methods, including direct or indirect assays. In a direct assay, the patient's serum or urine sample is mixed with a specific enzyme or co-factor, and the occurrence of a visible or measurable change indicates the presence of the target substance. In an indirect assay, the patient's sample is first mixed with a known antigen or antibody, and then a second reaction is carried out to detect the interaction between the target substance and the enzyme or co-factor.
Overall, the Abderhalden reaction is an important tool in clinical and diagnostic laboratories for the detection and identification of various substances, contributing to the understanding and management of diseases.
