Description
Esbach’s reagent is a chemical solution used in clinical chemistry for the quantitative determination of proteins, particularly albumin and globulins, in urine samples. It is composed of picric acid and citric acid dissolved in water, creating a yellow-colored reagent. When added to a urine sample containing proteins, Esbach’s reagent forms a precipitate proportional to the protein concentration. The precipitation occurs due to the reaction between the proteins and picric acid under acidic conditions. The amount of precipitate formed is then measured using a calibrated scale on Esbach’s tube, providing an estimate of the protein concentration in the urine sample.