This test is usually ordered as part of a specific evaluation, such as for suspected manganese toxicity, metabolic disorders, or monitoring a known condition. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for frequency, as it may vary based on your situation.
This test measures the amount of manganese, a metal found naturally in the body, that appears in your stool over a 24-hour period. It helps assess manganese absorption and excretion.
["This test may be used to check for manganese-related health concerns in your stool."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47116-9
- Short code
- Manganese Gast-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Manganese Gast-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like neurological issues (such as tremors, muscle weakness, or coordination problems), gastrointestinal problems, or if you’ve been exposed to high levels of manganese (e.g., occupational hazards). It may also be part of a broader evaluation for metabolic or genetic conditions affecting mineral balance.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all of your stool over a full 24-hour period. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully, including any special diet or medication adjustments. A urine sample may also be required to help calculate total excretion.
How the Test Works
The collected stool sample is analyzed to measure manganese concentration. The test may involve techniques like inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or atomic absorption spectroscopy to detect manganese levels accurately.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as the total amount of manganese excreted in the stool over 24 hours. Abnormal results may indicate impaired absorption, excessive intake, or underlying health conditions affecting manganese metabolism.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Manganese is essential for bone formation, metabolism, and nerve function. High levels in stool may suggest manganese toxicity (e.g., from occupational exposure or certain medications), while low levels could indicate malabsorption or metabolic disorders. This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions like Wilson’s disease, certain genetic disorders, or excessive dietary intake.
A high manganese level may indicate manganese toxicity, possibly due to occupational exposure, certain medications, or excessive dietary intake. It could also signal an underlying condition affecting how your body processes manganese. Your provider will discuss this with you and may recommend further testing or adjustments to your diet or lifestyle.
A low manganese level in stool may suggest poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract or a metabolic disorder affecting mineral balance. This could be related to conditions like celiac disease, certain genetic syndromes, or long-term gastrointestinal issues. Your provider will review your symptoms and other test results to determine the next steps.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy