Steatorrhea laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vindhya BellamKonda, M.B.B.S [2]
Overview
Labratory Findings
- Quantitative analysis of fat in the stool may be helpful in the diagnosis of steatorrhea. The various tests that may be helpful in the diagnosis are:
- Biochemical assay
- Acid steatocrit
- Near-infrared reflectance analysis (NIRA): NIRA is considered to be most accurate and the test of choice in the evaluation of malabsorption of fat as it consumes less time and can measure carbohydrates, fat and nitrogen levels in fecal fat at the same time.
- Acid steatocrit may be helpful in assessing steatorrhea in a stool specimen on the spot. This method is considered to be very sensitive and specific.
- Assessment of fecal fat: Fecal fat excreted in healthy individuals is usually around 6g per day. In conditions such as diarrhea and associated diseases, the amount of fat excreted is on a higher side comparatively and it should not be mistaken as malabsorption.
- Sudan III stain is a qualitative test which may be helpful in determining the condition steatorrhea in most patients in a very less time compared to the stool collection test.