Varela-Fuentes Method

Varela-Fuentes Method: Separate determination of direct and indirect bilirubin in blood serum

In the field of medical diagnostics and laboratory analysis of blood serum, determination of bilirubin content is an important parameter for assessing liver function and diagnosing various pathological conditions. Bilirubin, a product of the destruction of hemoglobin, is presented in two forms: direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated). Determining the relative content of these two forms of bilirubin is essential for establishing a diagnosis and prescribing appropriate treatment.

One of the methods used to separately determine the content of direct and indirect bilirubin is the Varela-Fuentes method. This method is based on the differences between the solubility of direct and indirect bilirubin in various solvents. Direct bilirubin is poorly soluble in chloroform, while indirect bilirubin is poorly soluble in water.

The Varela-Fuentes method procedure includes the following steps:

1. Sample preparation: A sample of serum containing bilirubin is collected and the sample is divided into two parts. One part is used to determine direct bilirubin, and the other is used to determine indirect bilirubin.

2. Determination of direct bilirubin: The part of the blood serum sample intended for the determination of direct bilirubin is mixed with chloroform. Direct bilirubin passes from the aqueous phase to the organic phase of chloroform, where its content can be measured.

3. Determination of indirect bilirubin: Another part of the blood serum sample, intended for determination of indirect bilirubin, is mixed with water. Indirect bilirubin passes from the organic phase to the aqueous phase, where its content can be measured.

4. Measurement of bilirubin content: The content of direct and indirect bilirubin in each fraction is determined using special analytical methods such as spectrophotometry or fluorimetry.

After determining the levels of direct and indirect bilirubin, the results can be interpreted by a doctor to make a diagnosis. For example, high levels of direct bilirubin may indicate problems with the bile duct or liver, while elevated levels of indirect bilirubin may be associated with hemolytic anemias or other conditions in which there is increased destruction of red blood cells.

The Varela-Fuentes method is an effective and reliable method for the separate determination of direct and indirect bilirubin in blood serum. It allows doctors to obtain information about liver function and assess the overall picture of bilirubin metabolism in the patient's body. This is especially important in the diagnosis and monitoring of liver diseases, biliary tract diseases, and hemolytic anemias.

However, it should be noted that the Varela-Fuentes method has its limitations. It requires special equipment and experience to perform it, so it can only be accessed in a laboratory setting. In addition, bilirubin test results must be carefully interpreted in the context of the patient's other clinical data and symptoms.

In conclusion, the Varela-Fuentes method is a useful tool for the separate determination of direct and indirect bilirubin in blood serum. It allows you to obtain information about liver function and diagnose various pathological conditions associated with impaired bilirubin metabolism. Physicians can use this method to make informed decisions about treatment and monitoring of patients susceptible to various diseases associated with bilirubin metabolism.

Fuentes' boil is a method for determining the amount of bilirubin (one of the components of bile) contained in human blood. This method has become extremely popular among researchers and scientists in the field of medicine, as it allows for more accurate diagnosis of diseases associated with biochemical blood parameters. To ensure high accuracy of the analysis, it is necessary to properly prepare the material under study, as well as evaluate the reaction conditions.

Varela Fuentes discovered the fact that bilirubins, which are intermediate products of hemoglobin metabolism, have different abilities to dissolve in solvents.

To determine bilirubin levels, you can use different dilution methods used in medical laboratories. The first method is based on the reaction with acetaldehyde. The concentration of direct and indirect bilirubin after treatment with water-butanol can be determined by qualitative reactions. For the study, quinine sulfate is used, to which the patient’s blood serum is added. You also need to add a small amount of acetic acid, which will give a reaction. After the reaction, you need to observe the appearance of a colored solution. According to the indicator, the results obtained include a certain number on the sample. For a reliable conclusion, it is necessary to carry out the analysis at least five times. The indicator should be assessed only in the process of comparison with the norm. Wohlers Fountes's method was quite simple and easy. And its accuracy made it possible to use reagents from simple household items, such as iodine and starch.