Test Directory

In malabsorption syndromes, notably pancreatic insufficiency and Whipple disease, steatorrhea is a prominent feature. Fecal fats can be useful in diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, neoplasia, or stone obstruction. Also useful in regional enteritis, celiac disease, sprue, and the atrophy of malnutrition.

Specimen Type: 72 Hour Stool

Collection Container: Time Stool Collection Kit

Desired Specimen Volume: Entire Collection

1. Collect a 72-hour stool sample in a timed stool collection kit containing a 1-gallon can, absorbent sheet, Armlock O-ring, and a leakproof plastic bag.
2. Refrigerate specimen during collection.
3. Multiple cans may be used if needed. Do not fill any can more than 2/3 full.
4. Contact the Referral Testing department if kit is needed.

1. Secure lid with pressure and firmly attach the O-ring.
2. Submit the entire 72-hour collection.

Adult patients should be on a standard diet containing 50 to 150 g of fat per day for at least three days before test is started and during the 72-hour collection. In children, the amount of fat in the diet should be constant for one day before the test and during the test. The patient should not have had mineral oil as a laxative prior to specimen collection.

Transport to the laboratory frozen. 

• Container more than 2/3 full
• Container leaking
• Improper container (ie, non-LabCorp-approved paint can, paper cartons, coffee cans, plastic bags, etc)
• Foreign matter other than feces inside of container (ie, spoons, tongue depressors, plastic bags, toilet paper, etc)
• Patient not on special diet
• Specimen on outside of container
• Specimen contaminated with urine

See patient report.

C8 and C10 saturated fatty acids are not quantitated with this method.

• Fat, Quantitative
• Quantitative Fecal Fat
• Stool Fat, Quantitative
• Total Fat, Quantitative