Stool Examination, pH and Reducing Substances Test
About Stool Examination, pH and Reducing Substances Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Stool pH Test, Stool Reducing Substances Test, Faecal pH and Reducing Sugars, Stool Acidity Test |
| Sample Type | Fresh stool sample |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 day |
| Recommended For | Infants, children, and adults with digestive symptoms; commonly used in paediatric settings |
| Price | Starting at ₹130 |
What Is a Stool Examination, pH and Reducing Substances Test?
The Stool Examination, pH and Reducing Substances test is a diagnostic test that analyses a stool sample to check how well the digestive system is absorbing certain foods, particularly sugars and carbohydrates. A doctor may prescribe it when a patient, most often an infant or young child, shows persistent digestive symptoms like diarrhoea or bloating. It is also known as the Stool pH Test or Stool Reducing Substances Test.
What Does a Stool Examination, pH and Reducing Substances Test Measure?
This test checks two key aspects of stool composition. Together, these measurements help identify problems with carbohydrate digestion and absorption.
| Parameter | What It Checks |
|---|---|
| Stool pH | The acidity or alkalinity of the stool, which reflects how well the gut is processing food and the balance of bacteria in the intestine |
| Reducing Substances | The presence of unabsorbed sugars (such as lactose, glucose, fructose, and galactose) that have passed through the gut without being properly digested |
Why Is a Stool Examination, pH and Reducing Substances Test Done?
This test is ordered when a patient has symptoms that suggest the digestive system is not absorbing sugars or carbohydrates properly. It helps a doctor understand the possible cause of these symptoms.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- Chronic or persistent diarrhoea, especially in infants
- Abdominal pain and cramping after eating
- Bloating and excessive gas (flatulence)
- Poor weight gain or failure to thrive in young children
- Changes in bowel habits
- Frothy or watery stools
- Discomfort after consuming dairy or sugary foods
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying several digestive conditions. These include:
- Lactose intolerance, where the body cannot properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk
- Carbohydrate malabsorption, including fructose and sucrose intolerance
- Disaccharidase deficiency, a lack of enzymes such as lactase, seen mainly in infants with persistent diarrhoea
- Short bowel syndrome, where the test helps assess how well the gut is handling carbohydrate intake
- Intestinal infections caused by bacteria such as E. coli or viruses such as rotavirus
- Overgrowth of acid-producing bacteria in the gut
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, but collecting a fresh sample correctly is essential for accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You should continue eating your regular diet, including foods containing carbohydrates, before the test. Avoiding carbohydrates before the test could lead to false-negative results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Continue eating normally, including carbohydrate-rich foods, in the days before sample collection.
- Avoid antacids, laxatives, and antibiotics for at least 48 hours before the test, as these can alter stool pH.
- Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, particularly ascorbic acid (vitamin C), streptomycin, cephalosporins, neomycin, kanamycin, salicylates, and penicillin, as these can affect results.
- Stay well-hydrated before collection.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Use a clean, sterile, leak-proof container with a screw-cap lid, ideally with a small spoon, provided by the laboratory. You will need approximately 5 grams of stool (about 1 to 2 teaspoons).
- Avoid collecting the sample using matchboxes, paper, or any absorbent material. Ensure the sample does not mix with urine or water, as this will affect the result.
- For infants and young children, place a clean plastic sheet or collection pad inside the nappy to collect the stool without contamination from urine.
- Seal the container tightly and submit the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible, ideally within one hour of collection, since sugars in the stool begin to break down within two to four hours.
- If you cannot deliver the sample immediately, store the container at a refrigerated temperature (2 to 8°C) and transport it promptly.
- A trained professional at the laboratory will carry out the analysis using a manual method and prepare your report within one day.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of this test's results:
- Delay in submitting the sample, as sugar breakdown continues for several hours after collection
- Sample contamination with urine or water
- Using formed stool instead of the liquid portion, which is the preferred sample for this test
- Recent use of antacids, antibiotics, or certain other medications
- Not consuming carbohydrates before sample collection
- Using superabsorbent nappies for infants, which may absorb the liquid portion of the stool
Understanding Your Stool Examination, pH and Reducing Substances Test Results
Your results show two values: stool pH and reducing substances. Your doctor will review both together with your symptoms and medical history to reach a conclusion.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Abnormal (Low) | Abnormal (High) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stool pH | 6.5 to 7.5 pH units | Below 5.5 suggests carbohydrate malabsorption or bacterial overgrowth | Above 7.5 may suggest secretory diarrhoea, colitis, or antibiotic use |
| Reducing Substances | Less than 0.25 g/dL | Not applicable | 0.25 to 0.5 g/dL is borderline; above 0.5 g/dL is considered abnormal |
"These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice."
Results During Special Conditions
- Breastfed infants naturally have a lower stool pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which is entirely normal for their age and diet. This is due to the high lactose content of breast milk, which promotes the growth of helpful bacteria in the large intestine.
- Stool samples that are not fresh may show artificially lower pH readings and reduced sugar levels, as bacterial action breaks down substances in the sample over time.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general tips support good digestive health:
- Drink enough water throughout the day to support healthy bowel function.
- Eat a balanced diet with regular meals; smaller, more frequent meals may help ease digestion.
- If a sugar intolerance is confirmed by your doctor, follow their guidance on dietary changes, such as reducing lactose-containing foods.
Lupin Diagnostics Stool Examination, pH and Reducing Substances Test Price and Home Collection
The Stool Examination, pH and Reducing Substances test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹130, with home sample collection available across cities. The table below shows city-wise pricing for reference:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 150 |
| CHENNAI | 190 |
| HYDERABAD | 130 |
| KOLKATA | 140 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 130 |
| PUNE | 130 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Stool Examination pH and Reducing Substances test online is quick and straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
The Stool Examination pH and Reducing Substances test home collection service is available across multiple cities through Lupin Diagnostics. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is shared directly via email or WhatsApp, making it easy to access from anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test checks how well the digestive system is absorbing sugars and carbohydrates from food. It measures the acidity of the stool and detects unabsorbed sugars, helping doctors identify conditions such as lactose intolerance, carbohydrate malabsorption, and certain gut infections.
No, fasting is not required. You should eat normally before the test, including foods containing carbohydrates. Skipping carbohydrates before the test may cause a false-negative result.
Sugars in the stool begin to break down soon after collection due to bacterial activity. Submitting the sample within one hour of collection helps ensure the results are accurate. If immediate delivery is not possible, keep the sample refrigerated.
This test is most often prescribed for infants and young children who have persistent diarrhoea, poor weight gain, or digestive discomfort after feeding. Adults with chronic digestive symptoms may also be asked to take this test to rule out carbohydrate malabsorption.
A stool pH below 5.5 suggests that carbohydrates are not being absorbed properly by the gut. This may indicate lactose intolerance, overgrowth of acid-producing bacteria, or an intestinal infection. Your doctor will advise on the next steps based on your full results and symptoms.
Yes, certain medicines can interfere with results. Ascorbic acid, streptomycin, cephalosporins, neomycin, kanamycin, salicylates, and penicillin can cause false-positive readings. Always inform your doctor about any medicines or supplements you are currently taking before the test.
You can book the Stool Examination pH and Reducing Substances test online through the Lupin Diagnostics website. Select your city, choose a time slot, and opt for home collection or a centre visit. Your report will be delivered digitally within one day of sample receipt.
Stool Examination, pH and Reducing Substances Test
