Fatty Acids, Free
Also known as: FFA
Use
The test for free fatty acids (FFAs) provides critical clinical information as it measures the concentration of nonesterified fatty acids in the serum. Elevated levels of FFAs can be an indication of metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. This test helps in the assessment and management of patients with these conditions by providing data on lipid metabolism.
Special Instructions
Overnight fasting specimen is preferred for higher accuracy. Serum must be separated from cells and frozen immediately after collection to prevent the breakdown of triglycerides, which can lead to falsely elevated levels of FFAs. Critical frozen transport and storage conditions are necessary. Order separate specimens for multiple tests to avoid compromising results.
Limitations
Non-fasting specimens can result in inaccurate measurements. FFAs are sensitive to lipase activity, which can continue post-collection, leading to elevated results if the serum is not separated from the cells quickly and frozen. Specimen collected in EDTA, heparin, or similar anticoagulants are not acceptable, as they can interfere with the assay.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 15066-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Collect in a Serum Separator Tube (SST) on ice. Allow serum specimen to clot completely on ice before separation.
Patient Preparation
Overnight fasting is preferred.
Storage Instructions
CRITICAL FROZEN. Must be separated and frozen immediately.
Causes for Rejection
Collected in EDTA, heparin, sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate, sodium citrate, ammonium oxalate, or non-frozen specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 4 hours |
| Frozen | 1 month |