80585:PHENOLPHTHALEIN, STOOL

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80585:PHENOLPHTHALEIN, STOOL
Alias Names: Laxative
Methodology: Colorimetry
Edit Date: 1/27/2009
Performed: Daily
Released: 24-48 hours after setup at PeaceHealth Laboratories’ reference lab.
CPT Code: 84999-90
Specimen Collection Details
Collection: Random stool in a plastic container.
Handling: Freeze immediately. A non-frozen specimen may produce a false-positive result.
Stability: 48 hours frozen. Unstable ambient or refrigerated.
Standard Volume: 5 gm stool.
Minimum Volume: 1 gm stool.
Transport: Frozen on dry ice.
Comments: Phenolphthalein is a cathartic that has its greatest effect on the colon. It usually does not act <6 hours after oral administration and, therefore, is taken at bedtime to produce the laxative effect the next morning. Up to 15% is absorbed and the remainder is excreted in the feces. The absorbed portion is largely eliminated by the kidneys with a small amount excreted in bile. Useful for detection of laxative abuse. A homogenized stool is preferred. Thirty-three percent KOH is added; and if phenolphthalein is present, the stool turns red or pink. The test is reported as present or not detected.
Rejection Criteria: Specimen in preservative;

PeaceHealth Laboratories