Stool pH & Reducing Substances

The Stool Reducing Substances Test is done to detect the presence of unabsorbed sugar in your stool. Reducing sugars like glucose, fructose, galactose, pentose, and lactose can be identified in your stool through this test. This test can also be used to distinguish between diarrhoea caused by a parasite or viral infection and diarrhoea caused by the excretion of various abnormal sugars.

What is the Stool pH & Reducing Substances Test?

The Stool Reducing Substances Test is done to detect the presence of unabsorbed sugar in your stool. Reducing sugars like glucose, fructose, galactose, pentose, and lactose can be identified in your stool through this test. This test can also be used to distinguish between diarrhoea caused by a parasite or viral infection and diarrhoea caused by the excretion of various abnormal sugars.

The stool pH test is done to test your stool for acidity and diagnose a medical condition. An acidic stool indicates a pathogen such as a rotavirus or E.coli or overgrowth of the lactic acid bacteria. It also indicates digestive issues such as lactose intolerance. Low stool pH leads to the excoriation of the perianal skin, which is commonly seen in diarrhea.

What is the Purpose of the Stool pH & Reducing Substances Test?

The Stool Reducing Substances Test detects unabsorbed sugar in your stool. If sugars are not absorbed in your body, they can lead to diarrhea due to the huge osmotic pressure produced by these sugar substances. The Stool Reducing Substances Test is also performed to detect the ability of your body to absorb nutrients from food and digest carbohydrates.

The stool pH test is done to check the alkalinity or acidity of your stool sample. This test can evaluate certain disorders like diarrhoea or lactose intolerance, where carbohydrate is not absorbed properly.  A high alkaline pH rating suggests your body’s inability to create the required amount of acid along with undigested food.