STOOL FOR REDUCING SUBSTANCES

Stool For Reducing Substances Test: Price, Purpose, Range & Report Interpretation
 

The Stool for Reducing Substances Test is a simple yet important diagnostic test that helps identify the presence of unabsorbed sugars, such as glucose, lactose, fructose, galactose, or maltose, in the stool. Normally, these sugars are absorbed in the small intestine during digestion. However, when the intestine fails to properly absorb carbohydrates, these sugars pass into the large intestine and appear in the stool, where they can cause fermentation, bloating, and diarrhoea. This test is particularly useful in diagnosing carbohydrate malabsorption disorders, lactose intolerance, and infantile diarrhoea. If you are looking for a reliable “stool reducing substances test near me”, Apollo 24|7 offers seamless online booking, convenient home sample collection, and accurate test reports. This article explains everything you need to know about the test, its purpose, price, procedure, and how to interpret the results.

What is the Stool for Reducing Substances Test?

The Stool for Reducing Substances Test measures the presence of certain sugars in the stool that have not been properly digested or absorbed. The term “reducing substances” refers to sugars that can act as reducing agents, meaning they can chemically reduce other compounds. The most common reducing sugars tested include lactose, glucose, fructose, and galactose. The test is often performed using Benedict’s reagent, which reacts with reducing sugars to produce a visible colour change. The intensity of this colour helps estimate the amount of unabsorbed sugar present in the stool sample. This test is especially valuable in infants and young children, as they may develop temporary or congenital lactose or carbohydrate intolerance after gastrointestinal infections or due to enzyme deficiencies.

Why is the Stool for Reducing Substances Test Recommended?

Doctors recommend this test when they suspect carbohydrate malabsorption or when symptoms of intestinal enzyme deficiency are present. The test helps identify whether unabsorbed sugars are contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms. Doctors recommend this test for the following reasons:

1. Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance:

•    Inability to digest lactose due to lactase enzyme deficiency.
•    Common in infants after viral or bacterial gastroenteritis.

2. Detection of Other Sugar Malabsorptions:

•    Fructose, glucose, or galactose malabsorption disorders.
•    Helps identify rare genetic conditions like galactosaemia.

3. Evaluation of Chronic Diarrhoea:

•    Persistent loose stools may be linked to sugar malabsorption.

4. Assessment in Infants and Children:

•    Infants may experience secondary lactose intolerance due to intestinal inflammation.

5. Monitoring Recovery:

•    Used to check improvement in digestion after dietary modification or therapy.

Stool for Reducing Substances Test Price

The cost of this test varies based on several factors, including location, laboratory standards, and the availability of home collection services. Factors influencing the test cost are as follows:
•    City or Region: Prices may vary between urban and rural centres.
•    Lab Accreditation: NABL-accredited labs ensure reliable results.
•    Health Packages: Sometimes included in stool analysis or paediatric health panels.
You can check the exact price and book the test easily through the Apollo 24|7 app or website.

Purpose of the Stool for Reducing Substances Test

The primary purpose of this test is to detect unabsorbed sugars in stool, which can help diagnose disorders affecting carbohydrate digestion or absorption. Key purposes include:
•    To confirm carbohydrate malabsorption.
•    To diagnose lactase enzyme deficiency (lactose intolerance).
•    To identify fructose or galactose malabsorption.
•    To investigate chronic diarrhoea and failure to thrive in infants.
•    To guide dietary management and treatment in affected individuals.
By analysing stool for sugar residues, the test helps healthcare professionals pinpoint the cause of gastrointestinal disturbances and plan an appropriate management strategy.

Who Should Get the Stool for Reducing Substances Test?

Doctors may advise this test if you or your child exhibit symptoms associated with poor carbohydrate absorption or intolerance. Common indications include:
•    Chronic or recurrent diarrhoea
•    Abdominal bloating and excessive gas
•    Cramps or abdominal pain after meals
•    Frothy or acidic stools
•    Unexplained weight loss in infants or children
•    Failure to gain weight (failure to thrive)
•    Mucus in stool or dehydration symptoms
Infants recovering from intestinal infections (such as rotavirus or gastroenteritis) often undergo this test, as their digestive enzymes can be temporarily reduced.

What Does the Stool for Reducing Substances Test Measure?

The test measures the concentration of reducing sugars in the stool using a chemical reaction.
 

A result greater than 0.25% typically indicates carbohydrate malabsorption.

Interpretation of Stool for Reducing Substances Test Results

Test results must be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms, dietary habits, and additional laboratory findings such as stool pH or enzyme activity tests.

1. Normal Results

•    Reducing substances <0.25%
•    Suggests proper digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.
•    No evidence of sugar malabsorption.

2. Abnormal Results (Positive Test)

A positive test (reducing substances ≥0.25%) indicates that some sugars are not being absorbed properly. Possible causes include:
•    Lactase deficiency (lactose intolerance)
•    Sucrase-isomaltase deficiency
•    Fructose malabsorption
•    Galactosaemia (inherited disorder of galactose metabolism)
•    Secondary enzyme deficiency due to intestinal infection or inflammation

Associated Stool Findings:

•    Low stool pH (<5.5)
•    Watery or foamy appearance
•    Strong acidic smell

3. Follow-Up Tests

If results are abnormal, your doctor may suggest additional investigations such as:

•    Lactose Tolerance Test: Measures how your body processes lactose after consuming a lactose-rich drink to confirm lactose intolerance.
•    Hydrogen Breath Test: Detects excess hydrogen in your breath caused by undigested sugars fermenting in the intestine, indicating carbohydrate malabsorption.
•    Stool pH Test: Evaluates stool acidity; a low pH level supports the diagnosis of sugar malabsorption, especially in infants.
•    Genetic Testing for Galactosaemia: Identifies inherited enzyme deficiencies that prevent the proper metabolism of galactose, a sugar found in milk.
•    Comprehensive Stool Analysis: Provides detailed insights into digestion, absorption, gut bacteria, and possible infections to pinpoint the underlying digestive issue.

Preparation and Procedure for the Stool for Reducing Substances Test

The Stool for Reducing Substances Test is a simple diagnostic test used to detect unabsorbed sugars (like lactose, fructose, or glucose) in the stool, helping assess digestive and absorption efficiency. Proper preparation and correct sample collection are essential for accurate results, especially in infants and children with suspected carbohydrate malabsorption. Here’s how to prepare for and undergo the test:

Preparation:

•    No fasting is required.
•    Avoid taking antibiotics, antacids, or vitamin C supplements before sample collection (unless advised otherwise).
•    For infants, collect a fresh stool sample, preferably soon after feeding.
•    Avoid mixing the sample with urine or water.

Procedure:

1.    Collect a small stool sample in a sterile, leak-proof container provided by the laboratory.
2.    Label the container with your name and date.
3.    Submit the sample to the lab within a few hours of collection for best results.
4.    The laboratory performs a Benedict’s or Clinitest reaction, which produces a colour change (from blue to green, yellow, or orange) depending on sugar concentration.
5.    Reports are generally available within 24 to 48 hours.

When Should the Test Be Done?

This test is recommended when:
•    You or your child has persistent diarrhoea or digestive issues.
•    A doctor suspects lactose intolerance or other sugar malabsorption.
•    An infant experiences colicky pain, gas, or acidic stools after feeding.
•    You are on treatment for gastrointestinal disorders and need progress monitoring.

How Often Should the Test Be Done?

The frequency depends on the underlying condition and clinical response:
•    Initial Diagnosis: Once, when symptoms first appear.
•    Post-Treatment Monitoring: After dietary or enzyme replacement therapy.
•    Follow-Up: Every 3 to 6 months if symptoms persist or recur.

Booking the Stool for Reducing Substances Test Online & Accessing Reports

Booking the Stool for Reducing Substances Test is quick and hassle-free with Apollo 24|7.

Steps to Book Online:

1.    Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or open the mobile app.
2.    Navigate to the Lab Tests section.
3.    Search for “Stool for Reducing Substances Test.”
4.    Select your preferred time slot for home sample collection.
5.    Confirm your booking and make a secure online payment.

Accessing Reports:

•    Log in to your Apollo 24|7 account.
•    Go to Health Records → Reports.
•    View or download your digital report in PDF format.
•    Share it directly with your doctor for interpretation.
Reports are typically ready within 24 to 48 hours.

Clinical Importance and Early Evaluation

Early evaluation through the Stool for Reducing Substances Test is vital, especially in children and infants, as prolonged malabsorption can lead to dehydration, poor growth, and nutritional deficiencies. Key benefits of early testing:
•    Identifies carbohydrate malabsorption at an early stage.
•    Helps differentiate between infectious and non-infectious diarrhoea.
•    Prevents complications like dehydration and malnutrition.
•    Aids in tailoring an appropriate dietary plan (e.g., lactose-free formula).
•    Monitors effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy or dietary changes.

Conclusion

The Stool for Reducing Substances Test is an essential diagnostic tool for detecting unabsorbed sugars in stool, helping identify lactose intolerance, carbohydrate malabsorption, and related gastrointestinal disorders. It is especially useful for infants, children, and individuals with chronic diarrhoea or unexplained digestive symptoms. By measuring reducing sugar levels in the stool, this test provides vital insights into how efficiently your digestive system processes carbohydrates. With Apollo 24|7, you can easily book your test online, schedule home collection, and access reports digitally, ensuring fast, reliable, and convenient diagnostic support. Early detection through this test allows timely intervention, effective dietary management, and improved overall digestive health.