Department
Refer to Testing Lab link
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
REDF
Test Code (Numeric Code)
8710
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
Dedicated faeces sample
Laboratory
FREEZE IMMEDIATELY. Send frozen sample
Sample Stability
Must be frozen within 2 hours of collection
Synonyms
Faecal reducing substance
Turnaround Time
1 week
4 days/ twice weekly. May be provided urgently upon request (0800 - 1600 weekdays).
Specimen Type
- Faecal
Specimen Type
- Faecal
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Faeces Container (White Lid)
Preferred
- Faeces Container (White Lid)
Acceptable
- Specimen Container
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Faeces Container (White Lid)
Acceptable
- Specimen Container
Pre-testing Requirements
This test will NOT be offered to patients aged 6 years and over.
This is due to significant background interference by normally coloured faecal fluid. If there is concern for lactose or fructose malabsorption, consider organising hydrogen and methane breath test
(refer to: Breath hydrogen and methane in the LabPlus Test guide).
Additional Specimen Information
>1 g faeces
Avoid contamination (causes false positives).
Avoid collecting the sample from absorbent nappies as the reducing sugars in the fluid component of faeces might be disproportionally retained in the nappy.
Last updated: 13/11/2026