Test Overview
Test Methodology

colorpHast pH-indicator strips

Test Usage

Stool pH less than 5.5 is indicative of carbohydrate absorption abnormality. Low stool pH also contributes to excoriation of perianal skin as commonly seen with profuse diarrhea. Slightly alkaline pH may occur in cases of secretory diarrhea without food intake, colitis, villous adenoma, and possibly with antibiotic usage. High stool pH may be associated with colorectal cancer.

Reference Range *

6.5 - 7.5

Test Limitations

Test intended primarily for liquid stool samples. Test results may not be as accurate with formed stool samples.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily
Analytic Time

8 hours

Soft Order Code
PHSTL
MiChart Code
pH, Stool
Synonyms
  • PH, STOOL
  • PHSTOOL
  • PHSTL
  • Fecal pH
  • Stool pH
Laboratory
Chemical Pathology
Section
Special Chemistry
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect a random stool specimen and place at least 3 mL in a clean plastic container. Refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage. Liquid or solid stool is acceptable; do not add saline or water to liquefy sample. Diapers containing stool are not acceptable; stool must be transferred from a diaper to a closed container at the collection site. Stool contaminated with urine is unacceptable. Containers contaminated externally with stool specimen are not acceptable.

Normal Volume
3 mL stool
Additional Information

Stool pH will be reported to the nearest 0.5.

Billing
CPT Code
83986
Fee Code
20473
NY State Approved
No