d persists or becomes heavier on the addition of a few drops
of dilute acetic acid (2%) and boiling again. If a precipitate occurs
at the first boiling, but clears up again entirely on adding acetic
acid, it is not albumen but harmless phosphates or carbonates.

HELLER'S TEST FOR ALBUMEN

Into a test tube pour a few drops of nitric acid, filter the urine and
allow a small quantity of it to trickle from a pipette down the side
of a test tube until it comes in contact with the acid. If albumen is
present a distinctly formed white ring is seen at the zone of contact.

TEST FOR INDICAN

This material is found in cases of obstinate constipation and in other
intestinal disturbances where the passage of the food mass in the
small intestines is delayed and the putrefactive bacteria exert their
activities upon the unabsorbed protein.

~Test.~--Mix equal quantities of urine and fresh hydrochloric acid and
add drop by drop fresh concentrated solution of chloride of lime (5 to
1,000). Indican is indicated by the appearance of a blue color.

SUMMARY

~Urinalysis~ represents one of the most important means for
determining the health of an individual, since it is the urine that
shows those substances produced in the body as a result of the
breaking down of the body tissues and protein foods.

~Composition of Normal Urine~ must be familiar to the nurse in order
that she may recognize any change taking place in the urine of her
patient which may indicate pathological conditions in the body.

~The Specific Gravity~ of urine is one of the points by means of which
the presence of certain substances more or less abnormal in character
is determined.

~Other Points~, such as color, odor, quantity, reaction, and chemical
composition, likewise show any deviation from the normal in the
individual.

~Urine Tests~ are necessary to determine the composition of the
secretion. The character of these tests and the methods used in making
them form an essential part in the training of the nurse.

~Tests~ for the presence of albumen, sugar, and possibly indican in
the urine, should be made by the nurse. The latter substance
represents the extent of putrefaction taking place in the body and for
this reason should be included in the urine tests.

~Collecting the Urine~ for testing is important. The amount includes
all that has been voided throughout the entire twenty-four hours
beginning after the bladder has been emptied on the first