Test Name: FECAL FAT, TOTAL, QUANTITATIVE
Test Code: 2198225
Alias: Fecal Lipids
LAB392
Split Fats
Stool Fat
Total Fat
Unesterfied Fatty Acids
CPT Code(s): 82710  
Preferred Specimen:

Send entire collection sample
Alternate Container:

24-hour stool

48-hour stool

72-hour stool

Frozen stool

Random stool

Homogenized stool
Minimum Volume: 3 grams feces from a timed (24, 48, 72 hrs) stool collection
Collection Instructions:

Patient Preparation:
Random, 24 hour and 48 hour collections:
Patient should be on a diet including 100 grams of fat per day for 3 days prior to collection and during the collection period

Use a one gallon, plastic leak-proof container with screw cap (warehouse item #2614). Record total collection time (24, 48, or 72 hours) and weight on test requisition. If entire collection is sent to the lab, the lab will verify weight of sample. Keep refrigerated during collection. Do no submit specimen in metal paint cans, as processing poses a safety hazard. Specimens received in paint cans will be rejected.

Stool collection duration: Preferred (normal ranges apply)
Frozen stool, 72 hour collection: Acceptable (normal ranges apply) Homogenized stool: Acceptable (normal ranges do not apply)
Transport Temperature: Frozen
Stability:

Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: 14 days
Rejection Criteria: Specimens received in paint cans
Limitations: Up to 12 grams of fat may be malabsorbed among patients with diarrhea even when the diarrhea is not attributable to fat malabsorption.
Schedule: Set up: Mon-Thurs;  Report available: 4-8 days
Method: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
Performing Lab: Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale >SJC; #455
Clinical Significance: Excessive fat in stool, steatorrhea, is useful in diagnosing patients with malabsorption and maldigestion, e/g/ pancreatic failure. In addition, results may be useful in monitoring patients receiving exogenous enzyme therapy for chronic diarrhea.
Use:

Updated 02/228/22
Reference Ranges: <7 g/24 h

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