Fecal Fats - Quantitative = ;
Quantitative fecal fat measurement may be used to as= sess malabsorption syndromes resulting from impaired digestion or assimilation o= f food by the small bowel. The test is usually carried out on a timed fecal specim= en collected over a 72 hour period, however, the te= st may also be performed on 24 or 48 hour samples.
The patient should be given a specific diet consisti= ng of 50 - 150 Gram of fat per day. The patient should avoid alcoholic beverages, vitamins, and other medications (if possible) for 24 hours prior to, and du= ring the collection period.
Collection containers are provided by the laboratory= .
Scheduling of this test with the laboratory is not required. Frequently, this test may be ordered with a series of other gastrointestinal function studies so that careful coordination is required.=
The test is listed as “Fecal Fat, Quantitative” on the order entry system. Specimen collection date and start/stop time should be indicated in the comments. Specify if it is a 24, 48 or 72 hour collection.
The collection period begins when the patient arises= , even if he/she does not defecate. Record this time on the container. Collect all feces - day and night - for the appropriate period (72, 48 or 24 hours). The sample should be kept cold by refrigeratio= n or by placing the collection container into a cooler with ice. Do not add ice = to the collection container. Do not urinate into the container. When the collection period is complete, seal the container tightly and deliver to the laboratory as soon as possible. Verify that the sample is labeled appropriately, using the preprinted specimen label if available.
If you have any questions, please call the Laborator= y at 795-2330.
Document Control
Facility: Central Maine Med=
ical
Center, 300 Main Street, Lewiston, Maine&n=
bsp;
04240
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