1. For many years I have been using the Gregersen Benzidine
Slide Test as an aid to the diagnosis of alimentary
neoplasm and peptic ulcer
2. An account of its history and evolution is given, with a review of the published opinion of the various well-known workers concerning its reliability as an aid in
the diagnosis and treatment of gastro-intestinal disease.
3. The technique of the test and the preparation of the patient¡ are described.
4. It has generally been found that the great majority of cases
of active peptic ulcer and alimentary neoplasm excrete
occult blood in the faeces and give a positive result
with the Gregersen Slide Test.
5. 183 case histories are given. These include 132 cases of
duodenal ulcer; 24.cases of gastric ulcer; 13 cases of
neoplasm; 8 cases of diverticulitis and 8 other miscellaneous conditions.
6. In the majority of these cases the Gregersen Slide Test or an X -ray investigation, or both, were performed.
7. A statistical analysis has been made of these cases, with
special reference to the reliability of the Gregersen
Slide Test in comparison with X-ray examination and
clinical signs and symptoms.
8. The Gregersen Slide Test is found to be positive in about
88 per cent. of cases, and also gives a positive result
in about 18 per cent. of cases clinically confirmed, for
which the X -ray findings were negative.
9. The yearly incidence of peptic ulcers, perforated and non - perforated, in the present series of cases is compared
with already published findings.
10. These show that there is some indication of a rise in the
incidence of perforated and non- perforated ulcers during
the war period.
11. The association of certain other pathological conditions is
noted, and their significance in the etiology of peptic
ulcer is discussed.
12. Emphasis is laid on the ease and rapidity with which the
Gregersen Slide Test can be performed in general practice.
13. The opinion is expressed that in cases with symptoms of
persisting alimentary dÇsfunction its application is as important as are the tests for sugar and albumin in
suspected cases of diabetes and nephritis.