MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Fecal fat

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Fecal fat

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Digestive system organs

Alternative names Return to top

Quantitative stool fat determination; Fat absorption

Definition Return to top

A test that measures the amount of fat in the stool and the percentage of dietary fat that is unabsorbed.

How the test is performed Return to top

Adults and children:
There are many ways to collect the samples. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl and held in place by the toilet seat. Then put the sample in a clean container. One test kit supplies a special toilet tissue that you use to collect the sample, then put the sample in a clean container.

Infants and young children:
For children wearing diapers, you can line the diaper with plastic wrap. If the plastic wrap is positioned properly, isolating the stool from any urine output, mixing of urine and stool can be prevented for a better sample.

Collect all stool excreted over a period of 24-hours (or sometimes 3 days) in special containers, label (name, time, and date), and send them to the laboratory.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

Consume a normal diet with about 100 grams of fat per day for 3 days before starting the test. The health care provider may advise you to discontinue use of substances that can affect test results, for example, drugs or food additives.

How the test will feel Return to top

The test involves only normal defecation, and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed Return to top

This test is used to evaluate fat absorption as an indication of liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and intestinal functions.

Lipid (fat) malabsorption is called steatorrhea. Normal lipid absorption requires bile from the gallbladder (or liver if the gallbladder has been removed), enzymes from the pancreas, and a normal intestines.

Normal Values Return to top

Less than 7g of fat per 24-hours

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Decreased fat absorption may result from:

biliary cancer
biliary stricture
celiac disease
cholelithiasis
chronic pancreatitis
Crohn's disease
cystic fibrosis
pancreatic cancer
pancreatitis
radiation enteritis
short bowel syndrome (e.g., from surgery or congenital anomaly)
sprue
Whipple's disease

What the risks are Return to top

There are no risks.

Special considerations Return to top

Interfering factors:

enemas
laxatives
mineral oil

Update Date: 4/29/2003

Updated by: Andrew J. Muir, M.D., M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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