Biochemical Tests in Diseases of the Intestinal Tract: Their Contributions to Diagnosis, Management, and Understanding the Pathophysiology of Specific Disease States

Abstract

Biochemical testing plays a major role in the complete evaluation of patients with suspected or established intestinal disease. We have classified these tests according to the medium in which they are performed: breath tests, including isotopic and nonisotopic tests, fecal tests, urine tests, serum tests, tissue tests, and other tests. The principles of various tests are outlined, and the role of each test in the evaluation of particular gastrointestinal disorders is discussed.

Key Words::

• breath tests
• hydrogen-producing bacteria
• gas chromatography
• disaccharidase
• lactose
• fructose
• bacterial overgrowth
• orocecal transit time
• amyloidosis
• human immuodeficiency virus (HIV)
• D-xylose
• methane
• methanobacteria
• pentane
• Helicobacter pylori
• peptic ulcer
• achlorhydria
• cholyl glycine
• triolein
• α-1 antitrypsin
• steatorrhea
• steatocrit
• bile acids
• pepsinogen
• growth factors
• immunological markers
• inflammatory bowel disease
• alkaline phosphatase
• lactate dehydrogenase
• diamine oxidase
• polyamines