Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 51

Which of the following tests differentiates a malabsorption cause from a maldigestion cause in steatorrhea?

A. APT test

B. D-xylose test

C. Lactose tolerance test

D. Occult blood test

Step 1 of 2

D-xylose test:

• To differentiate the malabsorption from maldigestion origin of steatorrhea, the “D-xylose test” is performed to detect the presence of xylose(simple sugar) level in urine

• Malabsorption is the incapability of absorbing nutrients from the digested foods, whereas the maldigestion syndrome is the incapability in digesting the foods.

• Both malabsorption and maldigestion occurs in steatorrhea

• The test determines whether xylose is absorbed quickly by the intestine, which does not require digestion

• If xylose level is low, the steatorrhea condition indicates malabsorption

Therefore, “D-xylose test” differentiates the malabsorption from maldigestion condition of steatorrhea. Hence, the correct answer is option.