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Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Isolation of Proximal Fluids to Investigate the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Published on: November 5, 2020
Screening for gastrointestinal and pancreatic diseases
1Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States.
Abstract:
Diagnosis of chronic gastrointestinal and pancreatic diseases is challenging because patients generally present with nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea, some of which can last for many years. Although stool assays are more sensitive than serum assays, the former has unique limitations that healthcare providers should be aware of. One algorithm to screen for chronic gastrointestinal and pancreatic issues is to perform stool testing to assess inflammatory, watery (osmotic) and malabsorptive conditions. This chapter will discuss several stool-based screening tests, the major disorders they screen for and clinical performance. Sections on assay and sample limitations are also included. Stool testing can provide valuable diagnostic, prognostic and treatment response information if both the laboratory and clinician understand the benefits and limitations of these assays.
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