Abstract: A method for the detection of at least one polyamine associated with bacterial infection, which comprises contacting a sample suspected of containing polyamine-associated bacteria in aqueous medium at alkaline pH with indigo carmine and dimethyl sulfoxia and observing whether a blue color develops in five minutes indicating the presence of polyamine.

Abstract: A method for detecting ischemic states in a patient by contacting a sample of serum, plasma, fluid or tissue with a metal ion capable of binding to metal ion binding sites in the sample to form a mixture, and then detecting the presence of unbound metal ions to determine the occurrence of ischemia. The reagents required to perform the method are incorporated into a test kit.

Abstract: A method for detecting ischemic states in a patient by contacting a sample of serum, plasma, fluid or tissue with a metal ion capable of binding to metal ion binding sites in the sample to form a mixture, and then detecting the presence of unbound metal ions to determine the occurrence of ischemia.

Abstract: A method for the detection of a fungal infection within 1-2 hours comprises the steps of: (a) contacting a sample suspected of containing a peroxidase-containing fungus with a mixture which comprises (i) a peroxide from hydrogen peroxide and addition compounds thereof containing latent hydrogen peroxide; (ii) a scavenger to remove heavy metals which may potentially decompose said peroxide catalytically; (iii) an alkaline buffer solution having the capacity to maintain the pH at a value within the range of 9.5 to 14; and (iv) a colorless oxidizable substrate (such as tyrosine, .beta.-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-.alpha.-alamine (DOPA) or caffeic acid), which on reaction with oxygen at said pH value gives a visibly colored oxidation product; and (b) observing whether a color develops indicating the presence of peroxidase-containing fungus in the sample. Also included is a test kit for carrying out the method of the invention.