GASTRIC ANALYSIS 



175 



of yellow nitric acid to flow down the side of the tube and note the green color in 

 the acetone. 



This green color is biliverdin which has been produced from the 

 bilirubin by oxidation with nitric acid. If too much acid is added 

 the green color will be oxidized to a purple or red. If the acetone does 

 not rise to the surface promptly the liquid has not been completely 

 saturated with ammonium sulphate. 



If the stomach contents contains large amounts of bile as indicated 

 by a deep green color, 4-5 drops of the fluid may be diluted with 10 c.c. 

 water and the above test applied. 



FIG. 55. MICROSCOPICAL CONSTITUENTS OF THE GASTRIC CONTENTS. 

 A y Starch cells; B, yeast cells; C, Oppler-Boas bacilli; D, staphylococci; E, streptococci; 

 F, sarcinae; G, muscle fibre; H, mucus; 7, red blood cells; /, leucocytes; K, snail-like mucus 

 formations; L, squamous epithelial cell; M, cellulose. 



(h) Microscopy of the Gastric Contents. A microscopical exami- 

 nation of the gastric contents is a routine clinical procedure. 



When an Ewald meal is given the starch granules in various stages 

 of digestion are observed together with epithelia from the pharynx, 

 esophagus, and occasionally the stomach. Gastric and salivary 

 mucus are seen and readily recognized by their ropy appearance. 

 Pathologically various bacteria are seen, sarcinae, Oppler-Boas bacilli, 

 streptococci, leptothrix, etc. Retained food from previous meals is 

 readily recognized by its histological appearance; meat fibers, vegetable 

 cells, and cellulose may all occur in pathological retention. In certain 



