ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Fat, Fecal Qualitative : 0020385
[ image for: Fecal Fat Ordering Recommendations]
Fecal Fat Ordering Recommendations
  


Mnemonic: FECFAT

Methodology: Qualitative Microscopy/Stain
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 1-2 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Random stool.

Specimen Preparation: Transfer 5 g stool to an unpreserved stool transport vial (ARUP supply #40910). Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787. (Min: 1 g)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen.

Unacceptable Conditions: Diapers. Specimens in media or preservatives.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 1 hour; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 2 weeks
Reference Interval:
Normal
Interpretive Data: Neutral fats include the monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides while split fats are the free fatty acids that are liberated from them. Impaired synthesis or secretion of pancreatic enzymes or bile may cause an increase in neutral fats while an increase in split fats suggests impaired absorption of nutrients.
CPT Code(s): 82705
Cross References: Fatty Acid, Stool (Fat, Fecal Qualitative), Fecal Fat (Fat, Fecal Qualitative), Fecal Fat Stain (Fat, Fecal Qualitative), Neutral Fat, Stool (Fat, Fecal Qualitative), Qualitative Fat (Fat, Fecal Qualitative), Sudan III Stain, Stool (Fat, Fecal Qualitative)