Fat, Fecal Quantitative 48-Hour Collection (Includes Homogenization)
Also known as: FECQFAT48
Use
Measurement of fecal fats can be useful in establishing a diagnosis of pancreatic disease. This test aids in evaluating pancreatic exocrine function by assessing the amount of fat in stool that remains unabsorbed due to insufficient pancreatic enzyme activity. A complete 48-hour stool collection is necessary for this assessment, providing a comprehensive analysis of fecal fat excretion over an extended period, which helps in clinical decision-making regarding pancreatic health.
Special Instructions
Patient preparation involves maintaining a diet with 50 to 150 grams of fat per day for 3 days prior to and during the collection period. Nonabsorbable fat substitutes such as olestra should be avoided before collection. The patient must collect a 48-hour stool sample, which should be refrigerated during collection. ARUP provides a Timed Stool Collection Kit for proper collection and transport.
Limitations
The test may not accurately represent fat absorption during varied diets or when patients are not compliant with dietary instructions. Factors like use of certain medications or incomplete collection can affect results. Fecal specimens with additives like barium or charcoal, those in non-standard containers, or samples from random collections will be rejected. Results from this test should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 16855-9
- 30078-0
Result Turnaround Time
2-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
4 g
Container
ARUP approved transport containers
Collection Instructions
The patient is to follow a dietary preparation and collect all stool passed over a 48-hour period using the Timed Stool Collection Kit. The sample should be refrigerated during the collection period.
Patient Preparation
The patient should be on a diet consisting of 50 to 150 g of fat per day for 3 days prior to the study. Nonabsorbable fat substitutes, such as olestra, should be avoided prior to collection.
Causes for Rejection
Random collections. Specimens containing barium or charcoal. Specimens in media or preservatives. Containers larger than 500 mL (500 g), such as paint cans, will be rejected and discarded.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 12 hours |
| Refrigerated | 4 days |
| Frozen | 2 weeks |