Test Code FATF Fat, Feces
Reporting Name
Fat, FUseful For
Diagnosing fat malabsorption due to pancreatic or intestinal disorders
Monitoring effectiveness of enzyme supplementation in certain malabsorption disorders
This test is not useful for differentiating among pancreatic diseases.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterSpecimen Type
FecalNecessary Information
Length of collection period is required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation:
1. For 3 days prior to and during the collection period:
a. Patient should be on a fat-controlled diet (100-150 g fat per day).
b. No laxatives (particularly mineral oil and castor oil).
c. No synthetic fat substitutes (eg, Olestra) or fat-blocking nutritional supplements.
2. The use of diaper rash ointments will falsely elevate test results. Discontinue use during collection period.
3. Barium interferes with test procedure; a waiting period of 48 hours before stool collection analysis is recommended.
Supplies: Stool Containers - 24, 48, 72 Hour Kit (T291)
Container/Tube: Stool container complies with shipping requirements, do not use other containers.
Specimen Volume:
Preferred: Entire 48-hour or 72-hour collection
Acceptable: Entire 24-hour or a minimum of 5 g from a random collection
Collection Instructions:
1. All containers must be sent together.
2. The entire collection must contain at least 5 g of feces.
3. For a random collection, a minimum of 5 g (do not send entire collection) is required.
4. The number of containers sent should be indicated on the labels (1 of 4, for example).
Additional Information:
1. Patient can store sample at refrigerate temperature during collection period.
2. A separate order and collection should take place if stool bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, magnesium, osmolality, pH, potassium, sodium, or any microbiology testing is desired.
Specimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Fecal | Frozen (preferred) | 180 days | |
Refrigerated | 180 days |
Reference Values
TIMED COLLECTION
≥18 years: 2-7 g fat/24 h
Reference values have not been established for patients who are younger than 18 years of age.
RANDOM COLLECTION
All ages: 0-19% fat
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
82710
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
FATF | Fat, F | 16142-2 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
STWT | Total Weight | 30078-0 |
DUR2 | Duration | 13363-7 |
PFAT | Percent Fat | 35745-9 |
TFAT | Total Fecal Fat/24 Hr | 16142-2 |
Reject Due To
Preservative, media, or charcoal | Reject |
Method Name
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
Secondary ID
607701Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday