Date
Background:
- A test volume audit revealed a total of 4 stool electrolytes ordered in a one year time frame in all Northern Health. Of these, 3 were cancelled due to “Inappropriate sample. A formed stool specimen was submitted for analysis”.
- Additionally, studies published in literature have concluded that measurement of fecal fluid electrolyte concentrations are of little value as diagnostic procedure in chronic diarrhea. Determination of stool electrolytes may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of diarrhea in different disorders but does not seem diagnostically useful.
For more information, see the full memo