Lactoferrin, Qualitative, Stool
Use
Lactoferrin is a marker for fecal leukocytes and a positive result is an indicator of intestinal inflammation. This elevation may be caused by acute infectious colitis or active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The test may not be appropriate in immunocompromised persons. In addition, this test is not FDA cleared for patients with a history of HIV and/or hepatitis B and C, patients with a history of infectious diarrhea (within 6 months), and patients having had a colostomy and/or ileostomy within 1 month.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
False-positive results are observed in breast‑fed infants.
Methodology
Immunoassay
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
2-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
1 g
Minimum Volume
0.3 g
Container
plastic screw‑cap container
Collection Instructions
Collect undiluted feces in clean, dry, sterile leak‑proof container. Do not add fixative or preservative. Patients may collect stool and hold at room temperature until it can be properly frozen. The time held at room temperature must not exceed 48 hours from time of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen received in transport media
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 21 days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant