Mayo Clinic Laboratories > Gastroenterology > Malabsorption

Malabsorption

Specialized testing to identify the underlying cause of intestinal insufficiencies

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, including but not limited to birth defects, intestinal trauma, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, parasitic diseases, genetic illness, and certain medications, identifying the underlying issue is critical for treatment success.

While diagnosis of some forms of malabsorption can be made clinically, advanced testing is often required for diagnostic confirmation. Test results provide a clearer understanding of the disease process, equipping clinicians with detailed information to direct treatment and follow-up care.

Bile acid malabsorption Bile acid malabsorption
Bile acid malabsorption

Our robust, patient-focused bile acid malabsorption testing options facilitate precision diagnosis by enabling providers to select the best assessment for their patients’ needs. Our testing includes gold standard fecal bile acid testing, 7AC4 fasting serum testing, and convenient combination testing, which simplifies diagnosis.

Disaccharidase deficiency Disaccharidase deficiency
Disaccharidase deficiency

When serological testing, X-ray and ultrasound imaging, and breath testing come back negative, our disaccharidase deficiency evaluation can enable diagnosis. The disaccharides activity panel examines tissue samples, taken as part of endoscopy, to gain quantitative values of lactase, sucrase, maltase, palatinase, and glucoamylase.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Our pancreatic elastase testing is a less-invasive alternative to fecal fat testing that requires only a single stool collection. This test measures the level of the elastase enzyme within stool, clarifying whether a patient’s enzyme is at the appropriate level for digestion and maintaining adequate pancreatic function.

Malabsorption panel Malabsorption panel
Malabsorption panel

To expedite and streamline diagnostic testing, we’ve developed a comprehensive malabsorption panel that evaluates for four disease markers with just one stool sample.

News and updates

The latest

Innovative bile acid malabsorption panel transforms gastrointestinal care

Mayo Clinic Laboratories has introduced a revolutionary diagnostic test for bile acid malabsorption, a significant contributor to chronic diarrhea. Developed by Dr. Michael Camilleri and Dr. Leslie Donato, this new bile acid malabsorption panel simplifies diagnosis and improves patient care by eliminating the need for special diets or prolonged stool collection. The test's effectiveness has been validated internationally, offering new treatment avenues for patients. Discover how this innovative test is transforming clinical practice and enhancing patient outcomes.

Learn more
Testing Options for Patients with Chronic Diarrhea: A Focus on Bile Acid Malabsorption

This "Specialty Testing" webinar describes a new serum test for bile acid malabsorption. Descriptions illustrate how the test can be used as a screening test and as a tool for therapeutic action.

Novel malabsorption panel speeds diagnosis

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 Panel [Test in Focus]

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.

Pancreatic Elastase

Puanani Hopson, D.O., a Mayo Clinic pediatric gastroenterologist, explains the pancreatic elastase test — a screening test that can be useful when symptoms point to the possibility of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Dr. Hopson reviews when this test should be ordered, how it compares to other test options, and how its results can guide further evaluation.

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