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Fecal Fat, Qualitative

Qualitative Fecal Fat

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB7004, Beaker: XQFFL, Warde: FECFT

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

• The patient should not use suppositories or mineral oil before the specimen is collected. Oily material (e.g., creams, lubricants, etc.) must be avoided prior to collection of the specimen.
• At least 2 weeks should elapse following barium administration before collection of the specimen. 

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: 5.0g random stool specimen in a sterile collection container. Do not use preservatives. (Minimum: 1.0g)

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Freeze (-20°C/-4°F or below) specimen immediately after collection and maintain frozen prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Stool specimen in a sterile collection container, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below).

Rejection Criteria

• Preserved fecal specimens (in PVA, SAF, 10% formalin).
• 24-hour collection of stool.
• Stool specimens received in non-approved containers (e.g., diapers, pill bottles, containers with wax lining, containers intended or used for food, other household containers, etc.).
• Specimens greater than 24 hours old or dried out.

In-Lab Processing

Freeze (-20°C/-4°F or below) specimen immediately after collection and maintain refrigerated prior to transport.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 5 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Warde Medical Laboratory, Ann Arbor, MI.

Performed

Monday – Saturday.
Results available in 3-5 days. 

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Sudan stain.

Interpretation

Pathologic increase in stool fat (steatorrhea) may reflect chronic pancreatitis with or without stone obstruction, cystic fibrosis, neoplasia, Whipple's disease, regional enteritis, tuberculous enteritis, gluten-induced enteropathy (celiac disease), giardial enteropathy, sprue or the atrophy of malnutrition.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the evaluation of patients with intestinal malabsorption.

CPT Codes

82705

Contacts

Last Updated

10/2/2023