Test Details
Methodology
Microscopic examination following staining with Oil Red O
Result 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.
Test Includes
Neutral and total fats
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.
Contraindications
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 Instructions
Do not contaminate outside of container; do not overfill container.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Reference Range
• Total fats (neutral fats, soaps, and fatty acids): Normal (<100 droplets/hpf)
• Neutral fats: Normal (<60 droplets/hpf)
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C.
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)
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 | |
| Order Code | 001677 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Fecal Fat, Qualitative | |||||
| Order Loinc | 43118-9 | |||||
| Result Code | 016691 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Fats, Neutral | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 12598-9 | |||||
| Order Code | 001677 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Fecal Fat, Qualitative | |||||
| Order Loinc | 43118-9 | |||||
| Result Code | 016709 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Fats, Total | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 42668-4 |