Reducing Substance, Feces
Use
Fecal reducing substances (carbohydrates) help determine the underlying cause of diarrhea. Elevations in these substances can distinguish between osmotic diarrhea, due to abnormal sugar excretion, and diarrhea from viruses and parasites. Increased levels indicate potential issues such as disaccharidase deficiencies (like lactase deficiency) or monosaccharide malabsorption. Other conditions like short bowel syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis may also show similar absorption defects.
Special Instructions
If additional tests are ordered, aliquot and separate samples before freezing to allow one container per test.
Limitations
This test has poor sensitivity for oligosaccharides. Antibiotics can alter intestinal flora, affecting acid production. False positives may occur due to drugs like salicylates, penicillin, and others. Urine contamination can lead to false positives due to glycosuria. Diaper collections might falsely reduce values since sugars can be absorbed into the diaper, and bacteria may consume sugars leading to falsely decreased results. Immediate freezing is essential to prevent these issues.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 11060-1
- 11060-1
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
3 g
Minimum Volume
2 g
Container
Fecal container
Collection Instructions
Collect a loose, unpreserved, random fecal specimen. Freeze immediately.
Causes for Rejection
Urine and feces mixed; Feces collected in any preservative or fixative
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Frozen | 7 days |