Used for estimating the amount of albumen in urine. Comprises graduated glass tube, plastic cover and white base. This method of bedside testing of protein in urine was still in use in the Rosie until 1992. Over 40 years earlier it had been widely dismissed as too inaccurate for clinical use even in the hands of skilled lab. Staff, particularly for the amount of protein in urine in pregnancy. Surprisingly, Esbach tubes continued on sale for ages (in common with other obsolete equipment). The usage in the Rosie wards was even more questionable, using an incorrect locally modified technique. It was not compliant with local and national safety regulations by then in force. The test involved mixing urine with picric acid (a yellow corrosive explosive staining substance), and 24 hours later reading the deposit against calibrations inscribed on the Esbach tube. Includes a letter in the artefacts file from Dr L Culank to Mr R E Robinson, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Rosie about the ancient techniques for monitoring urinary protein , (Feb 1992).