Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog
FECAL LIPIDS, TOTAL
Geisinger Epic Procedure Code: LAB2268 Geisinger Epic ID: 29346Stool, 72-hour (preferred), or 24- or 48-hour collection.
20 grams 72-hour stool (preferred); minimum 3 grams. 24- or 48-hour collection also acceptable. Specify if 24- or 48- or 72-hour collection.
Collection duration must be noted on specimen and request slip (if applicable). Keep refrigerated during collection.
Random, 24 hour and 48 hour collections: Patient should be on a diet including 100 grams of fat per day for 3 days prior to collection and during the collection period.
If sending an aliquot sample: Use a yellow-capped, 120 mL plastic, leakproof, specimen container. Submit a well-mixed, timed stool collection. Record total collection time (24, 48, or 72 hours) and weight of stool on test requisition (if applicable) and specimen container.
If sending entire sample collection, lab will weigh the sample.
Frozen.
Room Temperature: 7 days. Refrigerated: 7 days. Frozen: 28 days.
Do not submit specimen in metal paint cans, as processing poses a safety hazard. Specimens received in paint cans will be rejected.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.
Fecal lipids, total.
FLT, FECAL FATTY ACIDS, Quest test code 455
Excessive Fat in stool, steatorrhea, is useful in diagnosing patients with malabsorption and maldigestion, e.g., pancreatic failure. In addition, results may be useful in monitoring patients receiving exogenous enzyme therapy for chronic diarrhea.