Analysis index

1 g stool

< 2,5 g/l: inconspicuous

> 2,5 g/l: suspicious/requiring repeat test

> 5 g/l: pathological (in addition to pH value: < 5,5)

In connection with the pH determination, valuable diagnostic conclusions can be drawn as to malabsorption syndrome.

Determination of the reducing substances (Glucose, galactose, fructose, lactose, maltose) according to Kerry.

Unabsorbed carbohydrates, depending on their quality and molecular weight, lead to diarrhea.

Bacteriological division produces organic acids so that the stool’s pH value becomes acidic.

The pH-determination alone is not very reliable. Stools with multiple reducing substances don’t always react acidic and acidic stools occasionally don’t show an excess of reducing substances. However, if seen in connection with the Kerry test, diagnostic conclusions can be drawn as to malabsorption syndrome.

The Kerry test is a reduction test, in which saccharose, as a non-reducing sugar remains uncaptured. Should there be suspicion of saccharose-excretion, the so-called inverted sugar (=glucose + fructose), which develops through hydrolysis (inversion), is detectable.