Fecal osmotic gap measurements are done to:

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Fecal osmotic gap measurements are used to distinguish between osmotic and secretory diarrhea. This test compares the difference between the measured osmolality of fecal fluid and the estimated osmolality based on the concentrations of sodium, potassium, and other cations in the fecal fluid. A high fecal osmotic gap indicates that osmotically active solutes, such as undigested food, are present in the fecal fluid and are contributing to the diarrhea. A low fecal osmotic gap indicates that secretory factors, such as a virus or bacteria, are causing the diarrhea. The test does not assess pancreatic function, lactose tolerance, or protein loss in stool.

Fecal Osmotic Gap Measurements Are Done To