Pathology Handbook

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Faecal Fat

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Code:

FAFFAT

Specimen Types:

Faeces 72 hour

Container Types:

Faecal collection Tin

Adults Volume or Mass:

150 g

Collection & Request Instructions:

Patient must be on a diet of 70—100 g fat/day for at least 4 days prior and during the period of collection.

72 hour collection of faeces in special metal containers obtained from Pathology. It is preferred that the whole 72 hour collection be sent in the one container. If more than one is used, a separate request form, with the collection period stated, must accompany each container

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:

Room Temperature

Assay Frequency:

Fortnightly

Additional Notes:

This assay is no longer available

Consult Chemical Pathologist for further information.

For an adult, a faecal weight of < 200 g/72 hours is not consistent with malabsorption and the assay will not then be performed with consultation.

Note: In paediatric samples a microscopic analyis of fat globules may be of value in a spot sample- consult chemical pathologist/registrar.