Analysis of feces for carbohydrates in infants: what shows the results

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

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Indications for the procedure of the carbohydrate analysis in feces

The analysis is prescribed for suspected carbohydrate metabolism, in particular, for lactase deficiency. It is recommended to conduct a study in the violation of digestive processes, with flatulence, frequent regurgitation. If the child is concerned about abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation, a study is needed. Also the analysis is recommended in the event that the child badly grows weight.

[5], [6], [7]

Preparation

In order not to get false, distorted results, it is necessary to feed the child as usual. You can not change a diet, include new products, or you can not exclude the usual ones. It is necessary to prepare in advance the sterile dishes, in which the analysis will be made. Usually used jars for analysis, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. They are sterile, they can additionally be equipped with a special spoon or a stick for stool collection. Since the evening, do not give the child any medicine, do not put an enema either.

How to collect the analysis of feces for carbohydrates?

Feces are collected in the morning after a natural emptying of the child. A spoon is taken away from the stool and placed in sterile dishes for analysis. You need to collect at least a spoon, since less is not enough for the analysis. The lid must be tightly closed. The analysis should be delivered to the laboratory within 1-2 hours after the fence.

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

[8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

Technique of the carbohydrate analysis in feces

The principle of the method is based on the ability of lactose to recover copper atoms, while changing the color. To conduct the study, the stool sample is placed in a centrifuge. Beforehand, water should be added to the test tube with feces. After a homogeneous mass is obtained, reagents are added to the tube and the discolouration is monitored. The results obtained are compared in a calibration schedule. 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 the inflammatory process.

Analysis of feces for carbohydrates in infants

In the first year of life, the main food is milk. Normally, the digestive system should be fully digested, it must be easily and completely absorbed by the body. But in fact, over 50% of newborns suffer from intolerance to lactase, resulting in problems with digestion and intolerance to milk and milk formulas.

 If there is a suspicion of a lactase digestion, a laboratory test is performed - the feces are examined for carbohydrates in it. In the norm of carbohydrates should not be to the feces, because they are quickly cleavable and easily digestible elements, which are split even in the mouth and stomach, and are absorbed in the colon and stomach. The appearance of carbohydrates in feces suggests that they are not completely cleaved and not absorbed by the body.

It is prescribed to confirm or refute the diagnosis - lactase intolerance. The analysis provides an opportunity to identify the pathology in time, diagnose, select the necessary treatment and adjust the diet. The faster the measures are taken, the higher the effectiveness of treatment, and the more likely the normalization of metabolic processes and the full growth of the baby.

The disease should be identified as soon as possible, since it is milk that is the main food of the child. If it is not fully absorbed, or not at all absorbed by the body, this can be dangerous. The child may develop retardation of growth and mental development. Also, metabolic processes in the whole organism are disturbed: the exchange of vitamin, microelements, proteins and fats suffers. Over time, the development of impairment of nervous activity and hormonal regulation, reducing the protective mechanisms of the body.

For the analysis it is enough to collect the morning portion of the feces of the child and within 1-2 hours to deliver to the laboratory, then it must be ensured that the feces are collected in sterile dishes. Cal should be at least one full spoon, otherwise it will be impossible to analyze. They pass the analysis free of charge in the state polyclinic, or in private medical centers or laboratories.

[13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18]

Normal performance

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

If the amount of carbohydrates in the feces exceeds the norm, this may indicate lactose deficiency, or a disturbance in the metabolism of other carbohydrates. There are cases of false positive results. They are manifested in the event that the child took any medications, ascorrhic acid, salicylates, antibiotics and some other substances. Also, when used before the analysis of a low-lactose mixture, there may be a false positive result.

If the indicators do not deviate too much from the norm, it is necessary to track the results in dynamics. After a while, the child is re-examined, and also the acidity test is performed. If the carbohydrate content exceeds 1% and the clinical picture of lactose insufficiency is expressed, appropriate therapy is prescribed.

The unit of measurement of carbohydrates in fecal masses is the percentage. Normally, these indicators for an infant vary in the range from 0 to 0, 25%. These indicators are relevant for children aged 0 to 12 months. If the indicators exceed 0, 25%, and range from 0, 26% to 0.5% - this indicates a slight deviation from the norm. If the indices are in the range from 0.6% to 1%, this may indicate an average degree of lactose insufficiency. At rates above 1%, the deviation is considered significant, and a special treatment is prescribed.

[19], [20], [21], [22], [23]

The device for analysis

For the study, a centrifuge and a microscope are used. A centrifuge is a device that provides a high speed of rotation of the tubes. Due to this, the solution or substance placed on the fractions is separated. For example, with the help of a centrifuge, blood cells can be separated from the serum. When examining the stool separate the thick fractions from the liquid. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are used to mix certain components. The centrifuge works at the speed of rotation that it is given. The operating time is also determined. With the device you need to be very careful. It can not be opened in a working state, since it works at a high speed, and possibly damage a test tube that will fly out of its nest.

The microscope is used to enlarge the image, which makes it possible to study in detail the dense and liquid part of the stool, to detect carbohydrates, smallest particles, inclusions, microorganisms.

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. So, it can be attached to a computer or laptop and display the image on the screen, you can take a picture, adjust the required magnification, consider the desired area. Also for research and practical purposes phase-contrast, luminescent, atomic-force, light and dark microscopes are used.

How much analysis of feces for carbohydrates is done?

Analysis for carbohydrates in feces  is done on average 1-2 days. If necessary, the time can be reduced to 3-4 hours.