Fat, Fecal Quantitative 72-Hour Collection (Includes Homogenization)

Also known as: FECQFAT72

Clinical Use

Use

Measurement of fecal fats can be useful for establishing a diagnosis of pancreatic disease. This test is particularly relevant for patients suspected of having pancreatic insufficiency, allowing for the assessment of fat absorption over a 72-hour period. The test is valuable in differentiating between intestinal malabsorption and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

The test is not suitable for random stool collections. Specimens containing barium, charcoal, or those in media or preservatives are not acceptable. The test has not been approved by the FDA and is marked as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT). Results outside the collection period or improperly stored specimens can affect accuracy.

Test Details

New York Approved

Methodology

Other

Biomarkers

Fat, Fecal Quantitative 72-Hour

Analyte

Fat, Fecal Quantitative 72-Hour

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

Fecal Total Weight

Analyte

Fecal Total Weight

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

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

30078-0 - Specimen wt Stl Qn
2271-5 - Fat 72h Stl-mRate

Result Turnaround Time

2-3 days

Specimen

Stool

Volume

Not provided

Minimum Volume

4 g

Container

ARUP approved transport container

Collection Instructions

Submit entire 72-hour stool collection. Refrigerate during collection. Use additional containers as needed for the full collection.

Patient Preparation

The patient should follow a diet consisting of 50 to 150 g of fat per day for 3 days prior to the study. Avoid nonabsorbable fat substitutes like olestra.