Constipation laboratory findings
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Eiman Ghaffarpasand, M.D. [2]
Overview
There are no diagnostic laboratory findings necessary for diagnosing constipation in young people without alarm signs. Laboratory test for exclusion of underlying diseases are complete blood count, blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine, serum phosphate levels, blood glucose levels, liver function tests (LFTs), fecal occult blood test, thyroid function tests, serum calcium levels, and serum magnesium levels. In case of high suspicion, other laboratory tests may be needed such as serum protein electrophoresis, urine porphyrins, serum parathyroid hormone, and serum cortisol levels.
Laboratory Findings
- There are no diagnostic laboratory findings necessary for diagnosing constipation in young people without alarm signs.[1]
Screening for excluding underlying disease as cause of constipation
Screening tests for excluding underlying causes as cause of constipation include:[2]
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine
- Serum phosphate levels
- Blood glucose levels
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
- Fecal occult blood test
- Thyroid function tests
- Serum calcium levels
- Serum magnesium levels
High index of suspicion for including underlying disease
In case of high suspicion, other laboratory tests may be needed including:[2]
- Serum protein electrophoresis
- Urine porphyrins
- Serum parathyroid hormone
- Serum cortisol levels
References
- ↑ “An evidence-based approach to the management of chronic constipation in North America”. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 100 Suppl 1: S1–4. 2005. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.50613_1.x. PMID 16008640.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Rao SS, Meduri K (2011). “What is necessary to diagnose constipation?”. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 25 (1): 127–40. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2010.11.001. PMC 3063397. PMID 21382584.
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