Malabsorption disorders
Clinically supported, patient-focused testing
Malabsorption syndrome encompasses several disorders that impact the ability of the small intestine to absorb macronutrients, micronutrients, or both. Because malabsorption syndrome can be caused by myriad factors, identifying the underlying issue is critical for treatment success.
Malabsorption disorders Test menu
Malabsorption panel
Available exclusively at Mayo Clinic Laboratories and appropriate for all ages, our malabsorption evaluation panel includes assays carefully selected for their ability to quickly eliminate differential diagnosis and target the root cause of the gastrointestinal distress. Designed to expedite answers, our panel minimizes stress and optimizes patient outcomes.
Key testing
- MALP | Malabsorption Evaluation Panel, Feces
- Particularly useful for pediatric patients.
- Simplifies the ordering process.
- Requires a single stool sample.
- Quickly rules in or out numerous causes of GI conditions.
- Facilitates patient compliance.
Testing panel includes
- A1AF | Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Random, Feces
- Tests for protein loss through evaluation of alpha-1-antitrypsin, a protein largely resistant to breakdown and a good marker of how much protein is lost in the stool.
- CALPR | Calprotectin, Feces
- Tests for mucosal and intestinal inflammation through evaluation of the inflammatory marker calprotectin.
- ELASF | Pancreatic Elastase, Feces
- Evaluates for the pancreatic elastase enzyme, which indicates the body’s ability to digest certain proteins and carbohydrates.
- UREDF | Reducing Substance, Feces
- Tests for carbohydrate malabsorption, or malabsorption of glucose or fructose.
Highlights
Puanani Hopson, D.O., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ malabsorption panel can provide timelier diagnosis for children with chronic diarrhea or unexplained weight loss. The novel panel, which bundles four existing tests, requires just one stool sample.
Disaccharidase activity
We use a panel-based approach to evaluate patients for disaccharidase deficiency when serological testing, imaging studies, and breath testing are negative.
Key testing
Advantages
- Examines tissue samples, taken as part of endoscopy, to gain quantitative values of lactase, sucrase, maltase, palatinase, and glucoamylase.
- Test reports include clinical results interpretation.
Highlights
Pua Hopson, D.O., discusses Mayo Clinic Labs’ new disaccharidase activity panel, which measures levels of five digestive enzymes to identify deficiencies that cause carbohydrate maldigestion and can lead to chronic conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Performed on tissue sample biopsies during upper endoscopy, the activity panel is the gold standard test for detecting disaccharidase deficiencies.