PANDY reagent is used to detect elevated protein levels, especially globulins, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is based on the ability of phenol to precipitate proteins (globulin and albumin). When CSF sample is added to PANDY solution, the turbidity of the solvent leads to a positive PANDY reaction, indicating increased globulin levels in CSF.

Normally, proteins in CSF are clear and transparent, but the PANDY reaction can make them translucent or opaque. A positive test will show a bluish-white streak of precipitated proteins. The degree of turbidity depends on the amount of protein in the CSF and can vary from mild turbidity (mild to moderate increase in CSF proteins) to dense milky precipitate (high protein in CSF).

A positive PANDY reaction test may indicate one or more pathologic conditions, including diabetes mellitus, brain tumors, entrapped brain abscesses, spinal cord tumors, multiple sclerosis, acute suppurative meningitis, granulomatous meningitis, carcinomatous meningitis, and syphilis. A negative test result, characterized by the absence of turbidity, indicates normal protein levels in CSF.