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Phenolphthalein, Feces
Test Code17085Z
CPT Codes
84311
Preferred Specimen
10 g stool collected in a sterile leak-proof container
Minimum Volume
5 g
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 7 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Received room temperature
Methodology
Colorimetric (C)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Sun-Fri; Report Available: 2-4 days
Clinical Significance
Phenolphthalein is a cathartic agent that acts mostly on the colon. Since it takes at least 6 hours to work, it is often taken at bedtime to produce a laxative effect the following morning. 85% of what is ingested is excreted in the feces; the remainder is absorbed and eliminated mostly in the urine. The test is used to detect laxative abuse.
