This test has poor sensitivity for oligosaccharides.
Antibiotics can alter the intestinal flora and affect acid production.
False-positive reactions due to drugs (salicylates, penicillin, ascorbic acid, nalidixic acid, cephalosporins and probenecid) are possible.
Stool may be contaminated with urine, in which case glycosuria will give false-positive results.
Diaper collections can be falsely decreased as the fluid portion containing water soluble sugars is absorbed into the diaper.
Ambient transport temperatures result in growth of bacteria that consume sugars resulting in falsely decreased values.