What is Bial’s test?

Bial's test, also known as Bial's reagent test, is a chemical test used to detect the presence of reducing sugars, particularly in urine. It's named after the German chemist Carl Bial. In the test, Bial's reagent, which is a solution containing resorcinol, hydrochloric acid, and sodium chloride, is added to the sample being tested. If reducing sugars are present, such as glucose or fructose, a positive result is indicated by the formation of a green to brown color due to the reaction between the reducing sugars and the components of the reagent. Bial's test is commonly used in clinical settings for the diagnosis of conditions such as diabetes mellitus, where elevated levels of glucose are present in urine.