Diagnosing fat malabsorption due to pancreatic or intestinal disorders
Monitoring effectiveness of enzyme supplementation in certain malabsorption disorders
This test is not useful for differentiating among pancreatic diseases
Specimen Type
Stool
Specimen Requirements
Preferred: 48- or 72-Hr stool collection
Acceptable: 24-Hr stool collection
Acceptable: random stool
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions
For 3 days prior to and during the collection period:
Patient should be on a fat-controlled diet (100-150 g fat per day)
No laxatives (particularly mineral oil and castor oil)
No synthetic fat substitutes (eg, 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 test procedure; a waiting period of 48 hours before stool collection analysis is recommended.
Minimum Sample Volume
5 g
Required Information
Length of collection period is required
Stability
Frozen (preferred): 180 days
Refrigerated: 180 days
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions
Preservative, media, or charcoal
Limitations
Proper patient preparation is critical (see Specimen Required). Failure to adhere to a fat-controlled diet or to exclude other oils or oil substitutes from the diet may make interpretation difficult
Barium interferes with test procedure; a waiting period of 48 hours before fecal collection is recommended
The use of charcoal as a marker is not recommended. If charcoal is used, please notify the laboratory.
Methodology
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
Estimated TAT
1-3 days
Testing Schedule
Monday-Saturday
Retention
7 days
CPT Code(s)
82710
Reference Range
TIMED COLLECTION ≥ 18 years: 2-7 g fat/24 hours Reference values have not been established for patients who are <18 years of age.
