When screening urine for toxic concentrations of certain substances, which of the following will not be identified by the Reinsch test?

When screening urine for toxic concentrations of certain substances, which of the following will not be identified by the Reinsch test?

• A. Bismuth
• B. Arsenic
• C. Mercury
• D. Cyanide

Answer: (D)

The Reinsch test is a qualitative screen for metallic poisons in urine. It works by converting metal ions present in the urine to elemental metal and allowing that metal to deposit on a copper surface. Metals such as arsenic, mercury, and bismuth readily form metallic deposits on the copper strip, so they produce a positive result. Cyanide, on the other hand, is not a metal and does not form a metallic deposit on copper in this test, so it will not be identified by the Reinsch test. For cyanide detection, specialized, non-metal-focused methods are required.

The Reinsch test is a qualitative screen for metallic poisons in urine. It works by converting metal ions present in the urine to elemental metal and allowing that metal to deposit on a copper surface. Metals such as arsenic, mercury, and bismuth readily form metallic deposits on the copper strip, so they produce a positive result. Cyanide, on the other hand, is not a metal and does not form a metallic deposit on copper in this test, so it will not be identified by the Reinsch test. For cyanide detection, specialized, non-metal-focused methods are required.