Test Directory

• Lauric Acid, C12:0
• Myristic Acid, C14:0
• Palmitoleic Acid, C16:1w7
• Hexadecenoic Acid, C16:1w9
• Palmitic Acid, C16:0
• g-Linolenic Acid, C18:3w6
• a-Linolenic Acid, C18:3w3
• Linoleic Acid, C18:2w6
• Oleic Acid, C18:1w9
• Vaccenic Acid, C18:1w7
• Stearic Acid, C18:0
• EPA, C20:5w3
• Arachidonic Acid, C20:4w6
• Mead Acid, C20:3w9
• h-g-Linolenic C20:3w6
• Arachidic Acid, C20:0
• DHA, C22:6w3
• DPA, C22:5w6
• DPA, C22:5w3
• DTA, C22:4w6
• Docosenoic Acid, C22:1n-9
• Docosanoic Acid, C22:0
• Nervonic Acid, C24:1w9
• Triene Tetraene Ratio
• Total Saturated Acid
• Total Monounsaturated Acid
• Total Polyunsaturated Acid
• Total w3
• Total w6
• Total Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acid analysis is useful in nutritional monitoring of patients with known essential fatty acid disorders or routine nutritional monitoring for intake and absorption of essential fatty acids.

Preferred Specimen Type: Serum

Alternate Specimen Type: Plasma

Preferred Collection Container: Red Top, Plain

Alternate Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA), Green Top (Lithium Heparain) or Gold Top, Serum Separator

Desired Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

1. Collect a red top, plain tube via venipuncture.

1. Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 45 minutes of collection.
2. Transfer 0.5 mL of serum to a LabCorp PP transpak frozen purple tube.
3. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen specimens, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.

Patients should fast overnight (12-14 hours).

Please note: Infants and individuals suspected of having a fatty acid oxidation disorder should not fast prior to testing because of the risk of acute metabolic decompensation. For these patients, collect the specimen immediately before feeding. If the patient is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), the specimen can be collected under normal conditions.

Patients must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours prior to collecting. Patient age is required as well as information regarding treatment, family history and tentative diagnosis.

Transport to the laboratory frozen. 

• Specimen thawed or not frozen and received in the testing lab more than seven days after collection
• Grossly lipemic
• Grossly hemolyzed

See patient report.

• Essential Fatty Acid Profile, C12-C22