Stool analysis for carbohydrates in infants: what shows, results

Children often have various diseases that require laboratory diagnostics. Especially often, infants develop diseases and dysfunctions of the digestive system, which is explained by functional immaturity and ongoing adaptation processes. The child adapts to new conditions, including nutrition. One of the common pathologies is a violation of carbohydrate metabolism. Analysis of carbohydrates in feces is prescribed to infants if lactase deficiency is suspected.

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Indications for the procedure stool carbohydrate test

The test is prescribed if there is a suspicion of a carbohydrate metabolism disorder, in particular, lactase deficiency. It is recommended to conduct the test in case of digestive disorders, flatulence, frequent regurgitation. If the child is bothered by abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, it is necessary to conduct the test. The test is also recommended if the child is not gaining weight well.

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Preparation

In order to avoid false, distorted results, it is necessary to feed the child as usual. The diet cannot be changed, new products cannot be included, or the usual ones cannot be excluded. It is necessary to prepare sterile dishes in advance, in which the analysis will be collected. Usually, jars for analysis are used, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. They are sterile, and can additionally be equipped with a special spoon or stick for collecting feces. In the evening, do not give the child any medicines, and do not give an enema.

How to collect a stool sample for carbohydrates?

The stool is collected in the morning after the child has had a natural bowel movement. The stool is collected with a spoon and placed in a sterile container for analysis. It is necessary to collect at least a spoonful, since a smaller amount will not be enough for the analysis. The lid must be tightly closed. The analysis must be delivered to the laboratory within 1-2 hours after collection.

It is not recommended to collect feces from a diaper, since the liquid part will be absorbed and the result will be distorted. It is recommended to put the child on oilcloth and wait until he goes to the toilet. After that, collect feces with a spoon. If there is a liquid part, you need to collect as many liquid elements as possible. You can also collect feces from a potty. To do this, you need to wash the potty well with soap, pour boiling water over it, which will destroy the accompanying microflora.

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Technique stool carbohydrate test

The principle of the method is based on the ability of lactose to restore copper atoms, changing the color. To conduct the study, a stool sample is placed in a centrifuge. Beforehand, water must be added to the test tube with stool. After a homogeneous mass is obtained, reagents are added to the test tube and the color change is monitored. The results obtained are compared with a calibration graph. In addition, microscopy of the obtained sample is carried out, which makes it possible to detect signs of inflammation, as well as particles of carbohydrates, undigested fiber, and other components that may indicate the development of an inflammatory process.

Stool analysis for carbohydrates in infants

In the first year of a child's life, the main food product is milk. Normally, the digestive system should fully digest it, it should be easily and completely absorbed by the body. But in fact, over 50% of newborns suffer from lactase intolerance, which results in problems with digestion and intolerance to milk and milk formulas.

If lactase assimilation disorder is suspected, a laboratory test is performed – the stool is examined for carbohydrate content. Normally, there should be no carbohydrates in the stool, since they are quickly broken down and easily digestible elements that are broken down in the mouth and stomach, and are absorbed in the large intestine and stomach. The appearance of carbohydrates in the stool indicates that they are not completely broken down and are not absorbed by the body.

It is prescribed to confirm or refute the diagnosis - lactose intolerance. The analysis makes it possible to detect the pathology in time, make a diagnosis, select the necessary treatment and adjust the diet. The faster the measures are taken, the higher the effectiveness of the treatment, and the greater the chances for normalization of metabolic processes and full growth of the baby.

The disease should be detected as soon as possible, since milk is the main food product for the child. If it is not fully digested, or not digested at all, it can be dangerous. The child may develop growth retardation and mental development. Metabolic processes in the entire body are also disrupted: the metabolism of vitamins, microelements, proteins and fats suffers. Over time, a disorder of nervous activity and hormonal regulation develops, the body's defense mechanisms are reduced.

To conduct the analysis, it is enough to collect the morning portion of the child's feces and deliver it to the laboratory within 1-2 hours, while it is necessary to ensure that the feces are collected in a sterile container. The feces must be at least one full spoon, otherwise it will be impossible to conduct the analysis. The analysis is free of charge at a state clinic, or in private medical centers or laboratories.

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Normal performance

Normally, lactate should not be detected in feces. Thus, if the result is zero, this is a good analysis, which indicates that all carbohydrates have been processed and absorbed by the body. Accordingly, carbohydrate or lactase deficiency is not diagnosed.

If the amount of carbohydrates in the stool exceeds the normal values, this may indicate lactose deficiency or a violation of the metabolism of other carbohydrates. Cases of false positive results are possible. They occur if the child has taken any medications, ascorbic acid, salicylates, antibiotics and some other substances. Also, if a low-lactose mixture is consumed before the analysis, a false positive result may occur.

If the indicators do not deviate significantly from the norm, it is necessary to monitor the results dynamically. After some time, the child undergoes a repeat examination, and also undergoes an acidity test. If the carbohydrate content exceeds 1% and the clinical picture of lactose deficiency is expressed, appropriate therapy is prescribed.

The unit of measurement of carbohydrates in feces is percentage. Normally, these indicators for a baby fluctuate between 0 and 0.25%. These indicators are relevant for children aged 0 to 12 months. If the indicators exceed 0.25% and fluctuate between 0.26% and 0.5%, this indicates a minor deviation from the norm. If the indicators are in the range from 0.6% to 1%, this may indicate a moderate degree of lactose deficiency. At indicators above 1%, the deviation is considered significant, special treatment is prescribed.

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The device for analysis

A centrifuge and a microscope are used to conduct the study. A centrifuge is a device that provides high speed rotation of test tubes. Due to this, the placed solution or substance is separated into fractions. For example, a centrifuge can be used to separate formed elements of blood from serum. When examining feces, thick fractions are separated from liquid ones. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used to mix some components. The centrifuge operates at the rotation speed that is set for it. The operating time is also determined. You need to be very careful with the device. It cannot be opened while it is working, since it operates at high speed, and damage can occur if the test tube flies out of its socket.

A microscope is used to magnify the image, which makes it possible to study in detail the thick and liquid part of the feces, to detect carbohydrates, tiny particles, inclusions, and microorganisms in it.

There are many types of microscopes. Today, many laboratories use an electron microscope, which is simple, but at the same time performs a number of important functions. Thus, it can be connected to a computer or laptop and display an image on the screen, you can take a picture, adjust the required magnification, examine the desired area. Also, for research and practical purposes, phase-contrast, fluorescent, atomic force, light and dark microscopes are used.

How long does it take to do a stool test for carbohydrates?

The analysis of carbohydrates in feces takes on average 1-2 days. If necessary, the time can be reduced to 3-4 hours.