Which of the following can be detected by Benedict’s test in a urine sample?

Appeared in: OSSSC Nursing Officer-2021

Explanation

Benedict's test is a chemical test specifically designed to detect the presence of reducing sugars in a solution.
In a clinical setting, its primary application is to test for glucose in a urine sample, a condition known as glycosuria.
The test is based on the principle that when heated, reducing sugars reduce the blue cupric ions (Cu2+) in Benedict's reagent to red cuprous oxide (Cu+).
The resulting color change—from blue to green, yellow, orange, or brick-red—is semi-quantitative and indicates the approximate concentration of glucose.

Option A: Benedict's test does not detect proteins. The presence of protein in urine (proteinuria) is identified using other methods.
Option B: Bile salts are not detected by Benedict's test. Their presence in urine suggests potential liver or biliary tract dysfunction.
Option D: Ketone bodies are byproducts of fat metabolism and are not detected by Benedict's test.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biochemical testing of urine for reducing sugars as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Benedict's test serves as a simple, cost-effective screening tool for glycosuria, which is a primary indicator of diabetes mellitus.
Nurses must be proficient in interpreting the color change to estimate the degree of glycosuria and report findings, as this can influence the patient's diabetes management plan.
While Benedict's test is useful, it is not specific to glucose and can yield a positive result with other reducing substances (e.g., fructose, lactose, certain drugs). Modern practice often prefers glucose-specific enzymatic strip tests.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Benedict’s test'.
Recall the primary purpose of this specific biochemical test in the context of urine analysis.
The test is known for detecting reducing substances. Consider which of the options is a reducing sugar commonly tested for in urine.
Evaluate the options: Protein, Bile salt, Glucose, and Ketone.
Recognize that Glucose is the principal reducing sugar that Benedict's test is used to identify in urine.
Mentally eliminate the other options by associating them with their correct diagnostic tests (e.g., Rothera's for ketones, Hay's for bile salts, Heat/Acid test for protein).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q30Mn3LMcvE-6AtaVpeYjO

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 2 (pp 421-820 of 840) p. 367-369

E6 Pathology-Vandana Puri & Kavita Gaur Textbook of Pathology and Genetics p. 449-451

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 1 (pp 26-370 of 370) p. 188-190

Practise the full OSSSC Nursing Officer-2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.