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Synonyms
- Fatty Acid, Stool
- Neutral Fat, Stool
- Qualitative Fat
Test Includes
Neutral and total fats
Expected Turnaround Time
3 - 6 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Related Information
Related Documents
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Stool (fresh random)
Volume
Approximately 3 g
Minimum Volume
0.5 g (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Plastic screw-cap vial
Collection
Do not contaminate outside of container; do not overfill container.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Patient Preparation
Patient should be on a diet containing at least 60 g of fat. The patient should not use suppositories or mineral oil before the specimen is collected. Oily material (eg, creams, lubricants, etc) should be avoided prior to collection of the specimen.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen contaminated with urine and/or water; specimen on outside of container; specimen containing interfering substances (eg, castor oil, bismuth, Metamucil®, barium)
Test Details
Use
Detect the presence of fecal fatty acids and neutral fat. Increases in neutral fat are commonly associated with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Increase in stool total fats (neutral fats, soaps, and fatty acids) is likely to be associated with small bowel disease.
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Methodology
Microscopic examination following staining with Oil Red O
Contraindications
Administration of barium, bismuth, Metamucil®, castor oil, mineral oil, or ingestion of oily salad dressing within one week prior to collection of the specimen
Reference Interval
• Total fats (neutral fats, soaps, and fatty acids): Normal (<100 droplets/hpf)
• Neutral fats: Normal (<60 droplets/hpf)
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001677 | Fecal Fat, Qualitative | 43118-9 | 016691 | Fats, Neutral | 12598-9 | |
| 001677 | Fecal Fat, Qualitative | 43118-9 | 016709 | Fats, Total | 42668-4 |
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CPT Statement/Profile Statement
The LOINC® codes are copyright © 1994-2021, Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) Committee. Permission is granted in perpetuity, without payment of license fees or royalties, to use, copy, or distribute the LOINC® codes for any commercial or non-commercial purpose, subject to the terms under the license agreement found at https://loinc.org/license/. Additional information regarding LOINC® codes can be found at LOINC.org, including the LOINC Manual, which can be downloaded at LOINC.org/downloads/files/LOINCManual.pdf