Use

This test is useful for determining nitrogen balance, which is the difference between the amount of nitrogen ingested and the amount excreted in urine and feces. It is often used in conjunction with a 24-hour urine nitrogen measurement to assess nutritional status, especially in cases of protein malnutrition, and to evaluate protein catabolism. Elevated fecal nitrogen levels may indicate increased protein catabolism due to stress, trauma, or other factors. It is also a key marker in the evaluation of pancreatic function, as excessive fecal nitrogen levels can indicate pancreatic atrophy in chronic progressive pancreatitis.