Thymol test 4 2. Violation in the ratio of proteins - the basis of the thymol test

The use of biochemical analyzes in medicine makes it possible to detect numerous diseases in the initial stages, but for accurate diagnosis highly specialized methods are required. These include the thymol test. It is used to study general condition liver or to calculate positive dynamics in the treatment of certain diseases.

The thymol test is classified as a highly specialized blood test. Its second name is the Maclagan test. With its help, the state of the liver is assessed, or rather, its ability to produce blood plasma protein. In addition, the doctor, on the basis of the sample, evaluates protein fraction ratio, which allows you to identify some diseases and even predict them before the onset of noticeable symptoms.

The proteins in the blood are divided into two general groups, which also have their own subsections:

globulins;
albumins.

These proteins regulate acid-base balance blood plasma, changing the rate of clotting, maintaining the required volume, as well as transporting components medicinal substances and other compounds.

The sample is examined based on the protein sedimentation rate. For this reason, it is referred to coagulation biochemical studies. Tested when adding special solution to the resulting serum. The result is a chemical reaction.

With a positive course, turbidity of the serum is observed. Depending on the severity of the turbidity of the resulting solution, the result of the sample is determined. It is indicated in Maclagan units, that is, in units of M.

The thymol test is considered an obsolete type of study, but is still used in some laboratories. It is prescribed mainly when it is necessary to identify:

type A hepatitis;
drug intoxication;
lupus erythematosus;
other diseases.

The norm in women

Normal research indicators depend on the correctness of the tests. This should be done on an empty stomach in the morning, but it is allowed to drink water before the study. When applying the study on the background drug therapy , before the test, you should notify the doctor about the use medicines so that he can correct for skewed results.

Among women normal rate thymol test is up to 5 units. However, with dysproteinemia and taking oral contraceptives the rate rises. If the indicator is increased outside these conditions, then there is a high probability of malfunctions in the liver. The test itself allows you to identify the stability of proteins, depending on the indicators, health problems are detected.

An increase in the indicator may not be diagnosed with obstructive jaundice, only when the disease passes into a more serious stage and with the development of inflammation can a problem be diagnosed.

In addition to jaundice, the absence of a positive result of the thymol test can be observed with a difference in the natural ratio of alpha and beta globulins, if there are significant amounts of overweight or underweight.

It should be noted that with the development of hepatitis B in a person, the thymol test does not give a positive result, since its result will vary from 1 to 5 uM., this is not a deviation from the normal indicators.

Increased

With a positive result of the analysis, liver damage is diagnosed. To date, a positive test result is also observed in diseases of the kidneys, digestive system, the appearance of neoplasms of poor quality. Due to the inaccuracy of diagnosing the disease, it is necessary to carry out additional studies to identify exact reason deviations of the thymol sample from the norm.

Increased test results can be observed without pathologies. Most often increased results appear in people who often eat fatty foods. There is an increase in cholesterol in their blood.

The gradual accumulation of lipoproteins will contribute to their deposition in the vessels and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Their formation contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Thus, if the result of the thymol test is increased, and clinical manifestations there is no illness, it is necessary urgently change your diet.

The reasons

An increase in sample performance can be caused by the following reasons:

kidney disease;
burns with a large area;
rigid diets;
genetics;
frequent consumption of fatty foods;
systemic diseases;
endocarditis;
diseases of the digestive tract;
rheumatoid diseases;
myeloma;
pancreatitis;
enerite;
hepatitis;
various neoplasms in the liver tissues;
damage to the hepatic parenchyma by alcohol substitutes or alcohol;
poisoning with poisons, metals, drugs;
cirrhosis;
fatty tissue damage to the liver;
long-term use of hormonal drugs;
liver disease of various etymologies.

It is the last point that most often leads to increase indicators samples. However, to calculate accurate diagnosis It is recommended to visit a doctor and get an appointment for treatment.

A feature of the thymol test is its ability to detect type A hepatitis in the early stages, but the test is not informative if a person has already had hepatitis before and has been successfully cured. Therefore, to clarify the diagnosis, it is recommended to take additional tests.

In order for the results of the study to be as reliable as possible, it is necessary to prepare for surrender. A week before the analysis, it is recommended to follow a diet with limited consumption fats and sugar. The day before the study, you must give up coffee and tea, alcohol.

The sample itself is taken morning time on an empty stomach, for this reason it is not recommended to eat food 12 hours before the analysis. In the morning you can drink only water in limited quantity and you can't eat anything.

Treatment

With an increase in the thymol test, the most common cause is liver disease. For this reason, in order to normalize the analysis indicators, it is first of all necessary to accurately identify the cause of the change in the state of blood proteins. And depending on the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment.

However, in addition to it, with an increase in the thymol test, it is necessary to adhere to a special diet. It consists in limiting the patient's use fatty foods, regardless of whether they are of animal or vegetable origin.

In addition, it is necessary to exclude from the diet fast carbohydrates, some sour fruit, citrus fruits, tomatoes, soups based on meat or fish, broths.

Thymol test(timoloveronal test, Maclagan test) is one of the sedimentary or coagulation tests designed to detect changes in the qualitative and quantitative composition of blood serum proteins in various diseases.

The thymol test was developed by M. F. Maclagan in 1944. The test is based on the precipitation of serum proteins by adding a saturated solution of thymol in veronal buffer. If the test result is positive, the test serum becomes cloudy. The degree of turbidity is determined by the photocolorimetric method. The result of the thymol test is usually expressed in Maclagan units (unit M).

the physicochemical nature of the thymol sample has not been fully elucidated. It is known that the reaction results in the formation of a complex complex consisting of globulins, phospholipids, cholesterol, and thymol.

In addition to the thymol test, different time a considerable number of other sedimentary samples have been proposed. Among them are sublimate test, Takata, Gross tests, cadmium, formol, zinc sulfate, cephalin-cholesterol tests, Weibrodt, Veltmann reactions, etc. With the exception of the sublimate test used in some places, for clinical practice they all have only historical significance.

Thymol test norm.

Interpretation or decoding of the thymol test is quite simple:

Negative test means that there are no violations of the protein composition of the blood serum, positive - that such violations exist.

What does a positive thymol test indicate?

Massive blood protein molecules are kept in suspension due to the electromagnetic field on their surface

In general, a positive thymol test result is characteristic of a state of dysproteinemia - a violation of the qualitative and quantitative composition of blood serum proteins.

As you know, blood serum proteins are represented by several fractions that differ in their physical and chemical properties. Albumins are more light fraction, which ensures the stability of the entire colloidal blood system. On the contrary, globulins and lipoproteins have a large molecular weight and are prone to settling.

A decrease in the amount of albumins, or an increase in the amount of globulins, or the appearance in the blood of the so-called paraglobulins, which should not normally be present - all this inevitably leads to a violation of colloidal stability and to the tendency of proteins to coagulate, i.e. to stick together and settle. It is this phenomenon that the thymol test demonstrates.

The liver plays the leading role in the production of blood proteins. It is natural, therefore, that an unhealthy state of this organ is usually accompanied by a violation of the harmony of the protein composition of the blood, and, accordingly, a positive result of the thymol test.

Kidney disease can be accompanied by the excretion of large amounts of albumin in the urine, which leads to a lack of the latter in the blood. The loss of a large amount of albumin is also characteristic of extensive burns.

Increase in the fraction of γ-globulins - common occurrence in rheumatoid, autoimmune and infectious diseases.

The balance of protein fractions can also be disturbed by the appearance in the blood of the so-called paraglobulins produced in multiple myeloma, some malignant neoplasms, hereditary disorders of protein metabolism.

The colloidal balance of blood serum can also change due to the abundant consumption of fatty foods.

In what diseases thymol test is positive?

Liver diseases:
- acute viral hepatitis
- toxic, alcoholic and drug-induced hepatitis
- hepatitis in infectious diseases - leptospirosis, brucellosis, mononucleosis, etc.
- autoimmune hepatitis
- liver cirrhosis
- spicy yellow fatty atrophy liver
- for a long time existing breach outflow of bile in obstructive jaundice
- functional disorders of the liver with uncontrolled intake of steroid drugs and contraceptives
- liver tumors, etc.
Kidney disease, accompanied by loss of albumin in the urine:
- glomerulonephritis
- pyelonephritis with nephrotic syndrome
- renal amyloidosis
Systemic rheumatoid diseases:
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- rheumatoid arthritis
- periarteritis nodosa
- dermatomyositis, etc.
Diseases of the digestive system:
- pancreatitis
- enteritis with severe diarrhea
Acute viral infections
Malaria
multiple myeloma
Hereditary disorders of protein metabolism - cryoglobulinemia, macroglobulinemia, etc.
Malignant neoplasms

It is not possible to list all the diseases that can give a positive thymol test within the framework of this article. However, this is not necessary, since most of such diseases are extremely rare.

Thymol test and hepatitis.

With all the variety of diseases accompanied by a positive thymol test, the latter is most useful for early diagnosis hepatitis - inflammatory diseases of the liver tissue of viral, toxic, and other origin.

The high sensitivity of the thymol test makes it possible to suspect hepatitis on that early stage when and even save normal level. And in any case, long before the onset of jaundice.

After viral hepatitis, the thymol test remains positive long time- six months and even a year. In this period, it is also indispensable for monitoring the dynamics of recovery of liver function.

Diagnostic value of thymol test.

The thymol test confirms or denies the fact of a violation of the qualitative or quantitative composition of blood proteins, and also gives some idea of the severity of these changes. But it does not answer the question: "What are these violations?". And even more so, by itself, it does not provide information about the causes of such violations. The idea that existed in previous years about the thymol test as a reaction highly specific for liver pathology turned out to be untenable.

In this regard, the first detected positive thymol test can only serve as a preliminary indicator of changes in the protein composition of the blood. In relation to liver diseases, the result of this test should be interpreted with some caution. We should not forget that liver pathology is the most common, but not the only reason for a positive thymol test. In any case, the indicator of the thymol test should be considered in conjunction with other studies:, etc.

To study violations of the protein composition of the blood in our time, there are more advanced methods: electrophoresis and immunological tests.

However, due to its simplicity, the thymol test still finds wide application in medical practice.

To determine the diseases in the body associated with an imbalance of whey proteins, the thymol test indicator is checked. The analysis is sedimentary and determines the fluctuation of the stability of the protein components of the blood. At normal condition body proteins are characterized by increased stability in the colloid. When the ratio of globulins to albumins changes, this parameter decreases. The process is characterized by sedimentation and turbidity of proteins in the thymol reagent. The degree of turbidity characterizes the severity of the violation.

The thymol test gives an idea of the state of the blood serum for the absence of pathologies in the body.

The essence and purpose of the procedure

The thymol test is biochemical research serum part of the blood, namely the colloidal stability of proteins. Thanks to the analysis, which allows to determine the exact ratio of protein components in plasma, the diagnosis of the first stages is facilitated. pathological conditions liver, when not yet manifested external signs. In the normal state of the body, proteins do not precipitate under the action of the thymol reagent. Additionally, the degree of turbidity of the sample due to the formed sediment is assessed. The indicator is converted into Maclagan units. The turbidity parameter is evaluated using an electric photocolorimeter.

The essence of the analysis is to carry out the reaction of a blood plasma sample with a thymol reagent, which should result in a complex complex of globulin-thymol-lipid type, consisting of: 40% globulins; 32% thymol; 18% cholesterol; 10% phospholipids. If the content of one of the listed substances is deviated from the formula, a certain list of pathological conditions of the liver is suspected. Therefore, the analysis is considered narrowly focused, since the main task of the reaction is to determine the ability of the liver to produce protein for the plasma part of the blood.

When is it appointed?

More often, a thymol test is prescribed for suspected hepatitis, in particular viral, drug poisoning, lupus erythematosus. Analysis contributes early detection hepatitis A, toxic inflammation of the liver, for example, in people who abuse alcohol. With the help of thymol test, the regenerative function and the dynamics of regeneration of hepatic tissues after a cured disease are controlled.

The appointment of a sample is considered appropriate in case of suspicion of the development of such pathologies as:

rheumatoid arthritis;
chronic inflammation of the joints and spine;
autoimmune damage to capillaries and connective tissue(lupus erythematosus);
renal dysfunction;
pancreatitis;
any oncology.

How is it carried out?

Before taking the test, it is recommended not to eat and come to the test. early morning. From 20:00 on the eve you can not eat, drink tea, coffee or juice. Drinking water is allowed in a small amount. The accuracy of the analysis depends on compliance with these recommendations. The rest of the preparation is not required. Research will require deoxygenated blood(0.1 ml). To it will be added 6 ml of veronal-medinal buffer pH=7.8, 0.1 ml of saturated thymol solution. After 30 minutes, the reagent is examined by a photocolorimetric method to determine the degree of coagulation and turbidity.

In addition to the patient's diet before analysis, the quality of the reagents, namely the acidity of the buffer solution and the purity of thymol, affect the accuracy.

The norm and deviations of the thymol test in the blood

The normal result of the study is considered to be an indicator lying in the range of 0-5 Maclagan units. Such indicators are considered negative and do not indicate pathology. With an insufficient amount of proteins in the blood serum, the resulting value will exceed 5 units. according to McLagan, therefore, would be considered positive. Thymol test is indicative in the first stages of pathological conditions of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and in the erased course of these pathologies.

An overestimated thymol test is a signal of the presence of liver disease, a malfunction in protein synthesis or the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Excess

Initially, a positive thymol test result was interpreted as a special sign of liver damage. AT modern medicine according to the degree of sedimentation and turbidity of blood proteins in the thymol complex, the presence of any pathology that is associated with dysproteinemia syndrome is judged. Consequently, positive test is in such pathological conditions:

liver diseases - all types of hepatitis, cirrhosis, intoxication of the liver with fatty deposits due to their excessive accumulation, tumors, liver dysfunction while taking steroid drugs or contraceptives;
renal dysfunction, when there is a lack of albumin when it is lost along with urine - glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, amyloidosis;
destabilization of the process of protein metabolism due to "bad" heredity;
systemic rheumatoid diseases;
pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, especially associated with severe symptoms in the form of diarrhea - pancreatitis, enteritis;
oncology.

Improper nutrition is capable of provoking a drop in the stability of proteins in the plasma part of the blood, namely, the predominance of fatty and junk food. In order to make the most accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to pay attention to the concentration of other indicators, such as bilirubin, cholesterol, transaminase, alkaline phosphatase. Additionally, a zinc sulfate or sublimate test may be required.

Interpretation of the analysis

Thymol test may require additional research blood for the most accurate diagnosis.

Since this type of study confirms or refutes quantitative and qualitative disorders of the protein composition of the blood plasma, the interpretation of the results is simple. Determined by negative or positive indicators. In the latter case we are talking on the development of pathology. There are many diseases that are characterized by a jump in the thymol test.

The most revealing study is in hepatitis, when jaundice has not yet manifested itself visually and an increase in the concentrations of bilirubin and aminotransferases, although it inflammatory process already launched and progressing. However, this situation is characteristic of hepatitis, type A, but hepatitis B does not manifest itself in this way. The positive value of the thymol test indicates a previous inflammation in the liver, therefore, it makes it possible to judge the degree of regeneration of the liver tissues. For precision preliminary diagnosis serological tests on blood serum are recommended.

Interestingly, in 75% of sick women and men with obstructive jaundice, thymol test values are negative. This is due to the fact that parenchymal tissues are not involved in the process, therefore, inflammation of the liver is not observed.

When evaluating the results of the analysis, it is recommended to take into account age features patients, their weight, as well as the concentration of alpha and gamma globulins that can inhibit the performance of beta-lipoproteins. No less significant in the analysis is the simultaneous oral intake hormonal contraceptives, hepatotoxic drugs. Despite the gradual obsolescence and entry into the arena of differential diagnostics of modern methods, such as electrophoresis with immunological studies, the thymol test is still widely used in medical practice, as it allows timely identification and treatment a large number of serious pathological conditions of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, other systems and organs.

Thus, the fluctuation of the indicator towards an increase in the thymol test indicates the development of the following conditions:

Hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver with the replacement of organ cells with a connective tissue structure.
Inflammation of the liver caused chronic alcoholism, poisoning with harmful chemicals and drugs (against allergies, cancer, diabetes, depression, as well as diuretics, hormonal, antibiotics). In this case, the liver does not properly synthesize proteins for blood plasma.
long obstructive jaundice caused by a violation of the passage of bile and accompanied by inflammation of the liver tissue.
autoimmune inflammation, acute adipose atrophy, malignant tumors in the liver, developed against the background of the following infectious pathologies like mononucleosis, leptospirosis, brucellosis.
Kidney disease associated with nephrotic syndrome.
Development systemic pathologies- lupus hemorrhagic vasculitis, dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, periarteritis nodosa, scleroderma.
Pancreatitis, enteritis, malaria, myeloma.

In addition, physiological deviations from the norm affect the protein sample index for thymol. For example, fluctuations in the ratio of alpha and beta globulins, changes in the concentration of lipoproteins against the background of overweight or underweight, malnutrition and eating patterns. But anyway positive transcript thymol test data is considered in conjunction with other blood biochemical parameters: bilirubin, aminotransferases, urobilinogen in urine, alkaline phosphatase, etc.

Blood contains 5 types of proteins. These fractions are called globulins. The amount of proteins varies due to various pathological processes in the body. It is possible both a decrease and an increase in their number due to bacteria, infections, alcohol abuse, fatty, fried, poisoning.

This biochemical study shows how many proteins the liver produces, how much it copes with this function. The good thing is that the processes are still at an early stage, with no visible external manifestations pathology can be identified.

The essence of the analysis is the observation of the sediment of blood serum. Units of magnitude are expressed in M or Shank-Hoaland in S-H. The research method is called photocolorimetric (the radiation wavelength is usually 0.65 microns) or turbidimetric.

Blood serum is taken, a solution of thymol and medinal-veronal is added. After 30 minutes, the laboratory assistant examines the result using a photocolorimeter. Due to the reaction of proteins to the action of thymol, there is a change in the transparency of the test liquid. The color, type of sediment is taken into account, and not its chemical properties.

What does the thymol test indicate

This norm can be either positive or negative. In addition, doctors prescribe a control of this analysis to assess changes in protein sediment. This is how the quality of treatment is assessed, if necessary, possible changes are made.

The test is positive in such cases:

viral hepatitis A, B, C;
toxic liver disease and biliary tract;
cirrhosis;
scleroderma;
arthritis, inflammatory diseases joints;
malaria;
viral infections;
any formations (both benign and not) in the liver area;
hormonal liver dysfunction due to exchange therapy or prevention of pregnancy;
kidney disease (various nephritis);
inflammation of the pancreas and intestines;
genetic disorders in the amount of proteins produced by the liver;
atherosclerosis (impaired lipid metabolism, for various reasons).

As you can see, thymol analysis allows you to detect very serious illness, timely prescribe therapy and even save the patient's life.

The test is negative if they are diagnosed with:

obstructive jaundice with difficulty in the outflow of bile;
rheumatic diseases.

A change in the results towards an increase indicates a deterioration in the patient's condition, with a decrease, the therapy gives positive results.

Preparing for thymol test

material for such biochemical analysis produced by drawing blood from a vein. Doctors believe that the most accurate indicators will be if the study is carried out early in the morning, and the patient does not take food before that. It is advisable not to drink liquid in any form two hours before the analysis. On the eve of the intake of water and food, stop after 8 pm.

Thymol test norm and table of values

This analysis does not differ by gender. Normally, for both men and women, the value should be in the range from 0 to 4-5 units. The same applies to age, if the liver is functioning well, then this does not affect the amount of synthesized proteins.

There is one exception: with long-term regular use of hormonal contraceptives, liver function is slightly disturbed, so the value of the thymol test in women increases.

The thymol test is normal in women in the blood of 0-5 units, with the assumption of a slight increase.

A negative result indicates that the liver is functioning, proteins are being produced in the right proportion. positive test indicates that there are certain pathological processes in the body, which are manifested in a change in the number of protein fractions and a violation of their quality.

All blood proteins are divided into several groups: albumins, globulins, lipoproteins. Each of them has its own functions, molecular weight. Any changes in the number of these fractions or the formation of proteins that, in principle, should not appear (paroglobulins) indicate malfunctions in the colloidal blood system.

If the proteins begin to stick together, precipitate during the reaction (thymol test), this indicates that the liver does not perform the function of synthesis. A positive test is overt pathology In most cases.

The value of the thymol test

This analysis is statistical in nature, it indicates quantitative changes protein fractions, if they are in human blood serum. To clarify the diagnosis of this analysis is not enough. It is important to submit full biochemical indicators blood: the level of bilirubin, AST (aminotransferase), phosphatase, ALT and others.

Previously, the thymol test was given an important diagnostic value. On the this stage development of medicine, this is one of the important biochemical tests that signals changes in the body, but requires additional research.

Thymol test is the precipitation of plasma proteins when thymol and veronal are added to them. The test shows whether there are changes in the properties of albumins and globulins that are formed in the liver. It is used for early diagnosis of latent hepatitis. Read more about the advantages of the method, the reasons for improving results and the treatment of deviations in this article.

Read in this article

What does the thymol test show

Blood proteins regulate blood acidity, its oncotic pressure, immune reactions, form cholesterol and bilirubin transport complexes, carry iron ions, a number of hormones, and medicines. Albumin and partially globulins are synthesized by the liver. If its functions are violated, then it changes:

the ratio of protein fractions (albumin decreases);
the configuration of the molecule, its mass and charge;
resistance to settling (colloidal stability).

As a result, proteins are combined into complexes and precipitated. This loss of stability of the protein part of the blood is at the heart of the thymol test. It does not differ in specificity, as it becomes positive in many liver injuries.

Breakdown is not often used because there are more modern methods studies of liver cell function (, ALT, AST, bilirubin, prothrombin index). However, the Maclagan test can help differential diagnosis and assessment of the severity of hepatitis damage, the effectiveness of therapy.

Indications for determination

temperature rise;
sore throat;
slight cough;
headache;
general weakness;
muscle and joint pain;
nausea, vomiting;
distension, feeling of heaviness in the abdomen;
an unpleasant or bitter taste in the mouth.

The study is indicated for patients without clinical manifestations if:

contact with a patient with viral hepatitis;
autoimmune diseases (dermatomyositis, lupus, scleroderma);
alcoholism;
cytomegalovirus or herpetic infection;
undiagnosed liver disease in the past (shows changes throughout the year after viral hepatitis);
work with toxic and chemical substances;
malaria, tuberculosis;
signs of changes in the structure of the liver on ultrasound;
long-term chemotherapy.

Advantages of the method

An important advantage of the thymoloveronal test is its high sensitivity. It helps to make a diagnosis even before the appearance of the main symptom of hepatitis - jaundice.

The Maclagan test responds to liver damage sooner than others. This makes it possible to identify the disease initial stage, prescribe therapy and prevent the destruction of liver tissue, the spread of a viral infection.

A test with thymol is also used to distinguish between mechanical blockage of the biliary tract and liver damage. In both cases, the symptoms are similar, but jaundice with obstruction of the outflow of bile rarely gives a positive result.

The analysis is also carried out to control the effect of treatment. It can be administered repeatedly, since the thymol test does not require lengthy training or financial costs. There are no contraindications for its use.

Watch the video about AST and ALT blood tests:

Sample preparation and conduct

For a day from the diet you need to completely eliminate fatty foods, fried and spicy dishes, alcohol. In the evening, you need a light dinner, and then a break of at least 8-10 hours in eating. In the morning on the day of the study, you can drink only clean drinking water. Juice, tea or coffee, as well as carbonated drinks can distort the result. Blood for analysis is taken only in the morning on an empty stomach.

In the manipulation room, a vein puncture (ulnar, hand) is performed. About 5 ml of blood is drawn into a sterile test tube, then it is labeled and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The addition of an anticoagulant is not required. After separating the serum, it is mixed with veronal buffer and concentrated thymol. The result is evaluated after half an hour.

At intense turbidity solution is the formation of complexes globulin + thymol + lipids. After that, the laboratory assistant compares the degree of change in the transparency of the material with a calibration graph (photocolorimetric method). With a decrease in albumin and an increase in globulins, lipoproteins, the thymol test becomes positive.

When referring the patient to urgent diagnostics The result can be obtained within an hour. If a scheduled examination is carried out, then the issuance of a response occurs on the same day or the next.

Norm in women and men, children

The measurement results are given in Maclagan units - from 0 to 5 units. M. In the range up to 4 units, the thymol test is considered negative. This rule does not differentiate by gender or age. A positive test is at 5 units. M (sometimes the designation in ED S-H is used).

When evaluating the data obtained, it should be taken into account that the results of diagnostics can change:

fatty foods on the eve of analysis;
recent use of drugs with a toxic effect - antibiotics, antifungals, chemotherapy;
hormonal contraception, replacement therapy estrogen.

Reasons for the increase

The largest diagnostic value thymol test is manifested when detecting acute form viral hepatitis. A positive result is recognized as a marker of this disease.

The Maclagan test is the first to react to the multiplication of the virus in the liver, during the period when there is no jaundice, changes in other liver tests, and an increase in the concentration of bilirubin.

A violation of the protein composition of the blood caused by other reasons also leads to a positive result of the test. This is due to the fact that the liver reacts to inflammation, destruction of tissues of any localization. In the presence of such processes in the body, the relative content of albumins decreases, since globulins for the immune response begin to be synthesized intensively.

The loss of albumin in the urine in kidney disease can change the ratio of blood proteins. Thymol test is at the level of 3 - 4 units. M and with an increase in the level of lipoproteins in the blood. Diseases that occur with an increased Maclagan test include:

cirrhosis of the liver;
toxic (including medicinal), infectious, autoimmune hepatitis;
viral infections, including HIV;
neoplasms in or outside the liver with metastases;
chronic alcoholism (especially when using surrogate drinks);
fatty degeneration of the liver (steatosis);
glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome;
acute pancreatitis, enterocolitis;
hereditary disorders of the ratio of protein fractions (dysproteinemia);
myeloma;
malaria, typhoid fever, mononucleosis;
autoimmune diseases.

Treatment of deviations

Even slight increase the result of the analysis is an indication for examination of the liver, virological tests for hepatitis, ultrasound of the organs abdominal cavity, and sometimes you need needle biopsy liver.

Treatment is prescribed taking into account the cause of liver dysfunction. To restore it, you need:

limitation physical activity during exacerbation;
the minimum amount of medicines;
exclusion of alcohol, fatty and fried foods;
sharp restriction of canned food, smoked foods, marinades, hot sauces, spices and strong coffee, tea;
ensure the intake of proteins from lean meat, dairy and fish products;
turn on the menu boiled vegetables, non-acid fruits.

To protect liver cells, a group of drugs called hepatoprotectors is used. These medicines prevent the destruction of hepatocyte membranes, accelerate the recovery of albumin synthesis. Usually they are prescribed in courses of 2-3 months at least twice a year. The most effective are Essentiale forte N, Heptral, Glutargin, Hepa-Merz, Gepadif.

In viral hepatitis, interferon is administered intramuscularly or intravenously in combination with antiviral drugs(ribavirin), and also use new interferons long-acting(pegylated) - Pegasys, Algeron. If hepatitis is caused by an autoimmune process, hormone therapy is indicated.

Thymol test has high sensitivity to liver damage, especially viral hepatitis BUT. It helps to identify it at the preclinical stage. A positive result also happens with infectious, autoimmune, tumor processes in the body. Differs in speed of carrying out, it is recommended for control of treatment. In case of deviation from the norm, it is shown additional examination and mandatory treatment, dieting.