Determining lactase deficiency – Benedict's Test

• The stool is delivered to the laboratory for examination within 2 hours of collection. If the delivery time exceeds 2 hours, it is necessary to use containers with a preservative for transporting the material.
• The container with feces is tightly closed with a lid, packed in a clean disposable bag and delivered to the laboratory.
• Stools should not be submitted for testing after an enema, suppository insertion, or castor oil administration. Stools for testing should not contain foreign substances, such as urine.
• In newborn babies, feces are collected from the diaper or nappy immediately after defecation.

Lactase deficiency is one of the common functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, which is characterized by the body's inability to break down lactose - a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Diagnosis of this pathology is important for the correct choice of diet and treatment, since undigested lactose can cause discomfort and negative symptoms, such as bloating and abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, etc.

The Benedict's test, which is based on the chemical reaction between lactose and Benedict's reagent, is used to diagnose lactase deficiency. However, before considering this method, it is important to understand the principles of lactase functioning and the mechanism of lactase deficiency development.

Lactase and lactase deficiency:

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose into two important sugars, glucose and galactose, which can be absorbed by the body. In children, lactase helps break down the lactose in breast milk, but it can decrease with age, leading to lactase deficiency.

Lactase deficiency can be primary (genetic) or secondary (developing against the background of other diseases, such as celiac disease, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, etc.). Its symptoms can be similar to other gastrointestinal diseases, so accurate diagnosis is key.

Benedict's test:

Benedict's test is a chemical test that helps detect glucose in the urine, which is produced when lactose is broken down. This method is used to assess lactase function in the body. The test consists of the following steps:

1. The patient consumes lactose (usually in the form of glucose or milk).
2. After this, urine is collected for several hours (usually 2-3 hours).
3. The urine is sent for laboratory analysis.
4. If lactose is broken down into glucose and galactose by lactase, glucose will enter the urine.
5. Benedict's reagent is added to this urine - a special solution that reacts with glucose and forms a characteristic orange precipitate.
6. The intensity of precipitation indicates the amount of glucose in the urine and, therefore, the work of lactase.

If the sedimentation is weak or absent, this may indicate lactase deficiency. However, it is important to note that the Benedict's test is not 100% accurate, and other methods, such as genetic tests or intestinal tissue studies, are often used for definitive diagnosis.

Lactase deficiency is a serious medical condition that can affect the quality of life of patients. Diagnosis of this pathology, including with the help of the Benedict's Test, is an important step in determining the patient's further treatment and diet. It is worth consulting a doctor if lactase deficiency is suspected, and using various diagnostic methods to obtain the most accurate result.