Reducing Substances in Stool Test

1. Objective
The objective of this test was to detect the presence of reducing sugars (e.g., glucose, lactose, galactose, fructose) in the stool, which indicated possible carbohydrate malabsorption, particularly in infants and young children.


2. Principle
The test was based on the principle that reducing sugars could donate electrons to other molecules. In this procedure, reducing sugars present in the stool reduced copper(II) sulfate in an alkaline solution (Benedict’s reagent) to cuprous oxide, forming a color change. This color shift was used to estimate the presence and quantity of reducing substances.

3. Materials
• Fresh stool sample
• Benedict’s reagent
• Test tubes
• Water bath
• Pipettes or droppers
• Test tube holder and rack
• Gloves and lab coat

4. Procedure (Microscopic)
• A small amount of fresh stool was emulsified in distilled water.
• About 5 ml of Benedict’s reagent was added to the test tube containing the stool solution.
• The test tube was then placed in a boiling water bath for approximately 5 minutes.
• After heating, the test tube was removed and allowed to cool.
• The color change of the solution was observed and interpreted based on the standard chart:
o Blue: No reducing substances
o Green to yellow: Trace to mild
o Orange to red: Moderate to high presence of reducing substances

5. Result
• A blue color indicated no reducing sugars in the stool.
• A green, yellow, orange, or brick-red color indicated increasing levels of reducing sugars, suggesting carbohydrate malabsorption, such as in lactase deficiency or congenital disaccharidase deficiency.

6. Uses
• It was commonly used in pediatric patients to diagnose lactose intolerance and malabsorption syndromes.
• It helped guide dietary changes and further testing, such as enzyme assays or genetic testing.
• It also supported the diagnosis of osmotic diarrhea.

7. Consultation
Patients with positive results were referred to a gastroenterologist or pediatrician. Based on the severity, further diagnostic tests (e.g., hydrogen breath test, enzyme activity testing) and dietary modifications like lactose-free or elemental diets were recommended.

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