Reducing Substances, Feces [5022X]

Test Code
91018


CPT Codes
84376

Preferred Specimen
10 grams random stool in a plastic leak-proof container


Minimum Volume
3 grams


Instructions
Collect fresh stool in a plastic, leak-proof container.
Adult and older children patients can collect the specimen by passing feces into plastic wrap stretched loosely over the toilet bowl. Then transfer 10 g of the stool specimen into the plastic container.
With young children and infants wearing diapers, the diaper should be lined with clean plastic wrap to prevent absorption. A pediatric urine bag can be attached to the child to ensure that the stool specimen is not contaminated with urine. Then transfer 10 g of the stool specimen from the plastic lined diaper to the plastic container. Do not submit the diaper itself.
Freeze and transport frozen.


Transport Temperature
Frozen


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 60 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Received thawed • Specimens in paint cans


Methodology
Benedict's Solution

Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Fri p.m.; Report available: Next day


Reference Range
Negative


Clinical Significance
The presence of reducing substances is useful in the diagnosis of abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism, i.e., sucrose and lactase. The unabsorbed sugars in stool are measured as reducing substances.




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.