Laboratory Lab results are too important to go anywhere else.

Fecal Fat, Quantitative

Fat, Fecal

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB6018, Beaker: XFATF, Mayo: FATF

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

• Specimen collection containers can be obtained from Beaumont Laboratory at 1-800-551-0488.
• For 3 days prior to and during collection:
  • Patient should be on a fat-controlled diet (100-150 grams fat per day).
  • No laxatives (particularly mineral oil and castor oil).
  • No synthetic fat substitutes (e.g. Olestra) or fat-blocking nutritional supplements.
• The use of diaper rash ointments will falsely elevate test results. Discontinue use during collection period.
• Barium interferes with this test procedure. A waiting period of 48 hours before stool collection analysis is recommended.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): 48- or 72-hour stool specimen.
Also acceptable: 24 hour or random stool specimen. (Minimum: 5.0 grams)

Note the length of collection on the specimen.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Entire stool specimen collection, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Transport: Entire stool specimen collection, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 180  days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 180 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 Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester, MN.

Performed

Monday – Saturday.
Results available in 2-4 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the diagnosis of persons with intestinal malabsorption and in the investigation of suspected laxative abuse.

CPT Codes

82710

Contacts

Last Updated

10/2/2023