Specimen Requirements

Minimum Specimen Requirements

Stability

Days Performed

Mon - Sun

Turnaround Time

9 - 13 days

Methodology

Reference Range

Special Info

Specimens for elemental testing should be collected in certified metal-free containers. Elevated results for elemental testing may be caused by environmental contamination at the time of specimen collection and should be interpreted accordingly.

Clinical Info

Useful for compliance or abuse monitoring of laxative(s). It is recommended that unexpected elevated results be verified by testing another specimen. Magnesium concentrations in stool water above the normal levels of 0.7-1.2 mg/mL have been indicative of surreptitious abuse of magnesium containing laxatives. Laboratory calculated stool magnesium normal is approximately 0.5-10 mg/g (Based on the reported range of magnesium eliminated per day in stool and the range of stool mass per day in adults). Not for clinical diagnostic purposes. Phosphorus concentration in stool water averaged 1.8 +/- 0.3 mg/mL (ranged from 0.3-4.2 mg/mL) following administration of 105 mmol of sodium phosphate. Laboratory calculated stool phosphorus is approximately 1.4-22 mg/g (Based on the reported range of phosphorius eliminated per day in stool and the range of stool mass per day in adults). Not for clinical diagnostic purposes.