Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test

Gastrointestinal tests include serum, breath, and stool tests.

First, serum studies, such as liver function tests, help identify hepatic disorders. Elevated amylase and lipase levels often indicate pancreatic inflammation. The comprehensive metabolic panel evaluates kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar levels.

Additionally, tumor markers, such as a carcinoembryonic antigen, detect colorectal carcinoma, while cancer antigens 19-9 detect pancreatic cancer.

Next, breath tests, like the hydrogen breath test, identify carbohydrate malabsorption, particularly in lactose intolerance and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

The urea breath test detects H.pylori, a bacterium associated with peptic ulcer disease.

Lastly, stool tests provide diagnostic information by examining stool for consistency, color, pus, mucus, parasites, and occult blood.

Stool culture identifies bacteria such as Salmonella, aiding in diagnosing diarrhea and food poisoning.

Lastly, guaiac-based fecal occult blood testing and fecal immunochemical tests are key for colorectal cancer screening.