In 1920, Sgambati1 described a reaction in the urine based on the presence of what he called chromogenic substances specific in cases of acute peritonitis. Since then, this test has been referred to in Italian literature as Sgambati's test, and great importance has been attached to it by Solieri2 and others who have used it, not only diagnostically but also in prognosis of their cases in which operation has been performed. They all agree that the test indicates not only the gravity of the infection but also the virulence of the organism involved. Solieri states that he found the test useful in determining the time of operative interference in threatening perforating typhoid ulcers of the intestine.
The test was originally described thus:
Two or three c.c. of concentrated nitric acid is added to 8 or 10 c.c. of urine in a test tube in such a manner as