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A laboratory method was developed whereby the presence of Rifampicin in the blood is determined microbiologically by means of a diffusion test. The organism used was Sarcina lutea. The tests established that the Rifampicin levels in the blood of pylorogastrectomized persons were significantly higher then they were in a normal control group. The daily changes in the Rifampicin levels were simulated and checked by analogue computer. The findings indicated that the increased absorption in gastrectomized persons cannot be due to accelerated passage and that it is presumably attributable to chemical and physical factors. The results are analysed statistically and summarized in graphs.

During treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis with isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol in 15 patients transaminase activity increased in seven to levels of 60-340 U/l (group I). In the other eight the laboratory values remained within normal limits (group II). Rifampicin levels in group I were significantly raised at 2 and 5 hours after administration of 10 mg/kg body weight on proven fasting. There was no significant difference between the two groups for isoniazid. Estimated half-life of rifampicin was significantly longer in the first than the second group. If there is evidence of chronic liver disease (by history or by chemical tests) the rifampicin dose should be decreased to less than 10 mg/kg body weight.