The reagent described is 5.5 M in perchioric acid and 3.3 M in urea. It contains ferric ions, mercuric thiocyanate, mercuric ions (from mercuric perchiorate), and mercuric chloride. Serum dissolves directly in this reagent to yield a clear, reddish solution. When chloride ions are added, they combine first with the free mercuric ions, and then with some of the mercuric ions from the mercuric th...