Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
FRED
Test Code (Numeric Code)
3254
Laboratory Handling
Transport
Freeze the specimen if not analysed within 2 hours of collection.
Registration
FREEZE IMMEDIATELY - Place in Special Techniques box in Specimen Services freezer immediately upon receipt in the laboratory.
Separating
A separate sample is required if other faecal tests have been requested.
Laboratory
LabPLUS Special Techniques
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 Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Faeces Container (White Lid)
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Faeces Container (White Lid)
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Pre-testing Requirements
A separate sample is required if other faecal tests have been requested
Additional Specimen Information
SPECIMEN: >1 g faeces
Fresh faecal collect of <2hours is preferable. Avoid contamination (causes false positives). Freeze the specimen if not analysed within 2 hours of collection. A separate sample is required if other faecal tests have been requested. Avoid collecting the sample from absorbent nappies as the reducing sugars in the fluid component of faeces might be disproportionally retained in the nappy. 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).
Last updated: 31/08/2026