The Zinc Sulfate Turbidity Test

Abstract

Summary 1.Results of ZST tests were compared with electrophoretic protein patterns in 174 cases. It was concluded that (1) the ZST is a useful, rapid, qualitative test for the determination of serum gamma globulin, (2) ZST is not affected by the levels of serum albumin, or of the alpha or beta globulins, (3) ZST is affected by the albumin-gamma globulin and total albumin-globulin ratios. 2.The results of 1,187 ZST tests were compared with clinical diagnoses to evaluate the ZST as an aid in the diagnosis of hepatobiliary disease. It was concluded that (1) the ZST is a valuable aid in the diagnosis of hepatobiliary disease, (2) the ZST is of most value in the diagnosis of cirrhosis, (3) the ZST is elevated in some cases of hepatitis, is higher in chronic than in acute hepatitis, (4) the ZST is of value in the differential diagnosis of long-standing jaundice-when normal, it indicates biliary obstruction, when elevated it indicates hepatocellular disease, (5) the mean value of the ZST is no lower in persons having obstructive jaundice than in normal people, (6) the ZST is not specific for hepatic disease alone, as any disease producing changes in the serum gamma globulin level can produce abnormal ZST. 3.The significance of low ZST values is discussed and 14 cases are reviewed. Low ZST values were most frequently seen in severe renal disease with proteinuria, malignant hypertension, metastatic carcinoma.