Fat, Fecal Quantitative 48-Hour Collection (Includes Homogenization)

Also known as: FECQFAT48

Clinical Use

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

Not provided.

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.

Test Details

New York Approved

Methodology

Other

Biomarkers

Fat

Analyte

Fecal Fat Measurement

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

Fecal Total Weight

Analyte

Total Weight Measurement

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

16855-9 - Fat 48h Stl-mRate
30078-0 - Specimen wt Stl Qn

Result Turnaround Time

2-3 days

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.