Test Directory

Neutral and total fats

Detect the presence of fecal fatty acids and neutral fat. Increases in neutral fat are commonly associated with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Increase in stool total fats (neutral fats, soaps, and fatty acids) is likely to be associated with small bowel disease.

Specimen Type: Stool (fresh random)

Collection Container: Sterile Container or Plastic Screw Cap Vial (No additive)

Desired Specimen Volume: 3 g

1. Collect random stool in a sterile container or a plastic screw cap vial (no additive)

1.  Do not contaminate outside of container.
2.  Do not overfill container.

Patient should be on a diet containing at least 60 g of fat. The patient should not use suppositories or mineral oil before the specimen is collected. Oily material (eg, creams, lubricants, etc) should be avoided prior to collection of the specimen.

Transport to the laboratory frozen. 

• Specimen contaminated with urine and/or water
• Specimen on outside of container
• Specimen containing interfering substances (eg, castor oil, bismuth, Metamucil(R), barium)

• Total fats (neutral fats, soaps, and fatty acids): Normal (<100 droplets/hpf)

• Neutral fats: Normal (<60 droplets/hpf)

Contraindications: Administration of barium, bismuth, Metamucil®, castor oil, mineral oil, or ingestion of oily salad dressing within one week prior to collection of the specimen

• Fatty Acid, Stool
• Neutral Fat, Stool
• Qualitative Fat