D-xylose Absorption Test

Xylose Tolerance Test

What To Think About

• If you have an abnormally high amount of bacteria in your intestines, you may have to take antibiotics for a day or two before the test.
• This test can cause dehydration. Make sure that you drink enough fluids to replace lost liquids after you have completed the test. Tell your doctor if you have problems with diarrhea after drinking the D-xylose solution.
• Blood D-xylose levels are generally considered more reliable than urine levels in children younger than 12 years old.
• A test that looks at the lining of the small intestines (upper gastrointestinal series) may be used if Crohn's disease or another malabsorption syndrome is suspected. For more information, see the medical test Upper Gastrointestinal Series.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: April 29, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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