Abstract: A reagent for use in detecting the presence of aldehyde particularly in an aqueous solution, urine, or other body fluids comprising a solution sodium metabisulfite, phosphoric acid, basic fuchsin (BA 130) and deionized water. The sodium metabisulfite is present at about 8-12 grams, the phosphoric acid is present at 10 milliliters, the basic fuchsin is present at about 4.8-5.2 grams and the deionized water is present at about 995-1005 milliliters. A test kit including a sealed container having a predetermined amount of the reagent therein, a dispenser for obtaining a predetermined amount of a specimen to be tested and depositing it in the container and a color chart for comparing the color of the combined reagent and specimen after waiting period of between 2-5 minutes.