Fecal Fat Test To Determine the Fat Quantity in Bowel Movements

The Fecal Fat Test detects excess fat in stool, helping diagnose digestive issues and malabsorption, often indicated by symptoms like diarrhea and fatty stools.

Fecal Fat Test

Here are the basic details of the Fecal Fat Test.

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

Fecal Fat Test Means

Fecal Fat Test measures the amount of fat in stool, aiding in the diagnosis of digestive and malabsorption issues.

• It's used when symptoms like persistent diarrhea and fatty stools suggest digestive problems.
• The test involves stool sample collection, with dietary and preparation guidelines to ensure accurate results.
• It helps detect malabsorption conditions such as celiac disease, pancreatitis, or infections affecting nutrient absorption.
• Abnormal results can indicate fat malabsorption, which may be linked to various diseases or conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system.

Fecal Fat Test Purpose

The purpose of the Fecal Fat Test is to:

• Fecal Fat Test assesses digestive issues by measuring excess fat in stool.
• Helps diagnose malabsorption and conditions causing diarrhea and fatty stools.
• Evaluates pancreatic and bile function and fat digestion.
• Useful for identifying causes of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.
• Ordered when persistent diarrhea and foul-smelling stools are present.

Fecal Fat Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the Fecal Fat Test.

Before Test

• Follow dietary recommendations from your healthcare provider.
• May involve consuming 50-150 grams of fat daily for 2-3 days before the test.
• Avoid certain oils and fat substitutes.

During Test

• Collect stool sample per instructions.
• Ensure sample is not contaminated by urine, toilet water, or toilet paper.
• For a 72-hour collection, follow the prescribed diet.

After Test

• Resume normal activities immediately.
• Send the sample to the lab or follow specific instructions for analysis.
• Await test results from your healthcare provider.

Fecal Fat Test Procedure

Here is the basic Fecal Fat Test Procedure.

• Collect a stool sample, typically over a 72-hour period.
• Follow specific dietary recommendations before and during the collection.
• Ensure the sample is uncontaminated by urine, toilet water, or toilet paper.
• Avoid certain oils, fat substitutes, and exogenous pancreatic supplements during the collection.
• Sample may be sent to a reference laboratory for testing, where qualitative or quantitative measurements are performed.

Fecal Fat Test Result

• Positive result: Excess fat detected in stool, indicating potential malabsorption or digestive issues.
• Negative result: No significant fat present, suggesting normal fat absorption.
• Follow-up with healthcare provider for interpretation and further guidance.

Fecal Fat Test Normal Result

Here is the normal range of the Fecal Fat Test.

Fecal Fat Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the Fecal Fat Test.

Fecal Fat Test Positive

Here are some possible causes of positive Fecal Fat Test.

A positive Fecal Fat Test may indicate various causes, including malabsorption, pancreatic insufficiency, gastrointestinal infections, and more.

Fecal Fat Test Negative

Here are some possible causes of negative Fecal Fat Test.

A negative Fecal Fat Test suggests normal fat absorption and digestion, with no apparent issues such as malabsorption, pancreatic insufficiency, or infections.

Specimen Requirements For Fecal Fat Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Fecal Fat Test.

Fecal Fat Test is Safe?

Fecal Fat Test is generally safe and non-invasive.

• It involves collecting a stool sample.
• No sedation or recovery time is required.
• Proper sample collection and handling are essential.
• Avoid contamination and interference with the sample.
• Follow healthcare provider's instructions.
• Results can aid in diagnosing digestive issues.

When Do You Get Fecal Fat Test Results? 

• Fecal Fat Test results are typically available within a few days.
• The exact timeline may vary by the laboratory.
• Your healthcare provider will inform you when to expect the results.
• Timely results assist in diagnosing digestive issues.
• You will discuss the interpretation with your healthcare provider.

Fecal Fat Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of Fecal Fat Test.

• Dietary factors can affect test accuracy.
• Incomplete stool collection may yield inaccurate results.
• Medications and supplements can impact test outcomes.
• It may not identify all malabsorption disorders.
• Some individuals may find stool collection challenging.

Fecal Fat Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the Fecal Fat Test.

• High-fat diets can elevate fecal fat levels.
• Certain drugs may interfere with test accuracy.
• Insufficient samples may yield unreliable results.
• Some conditions may not be detectable through this test.
• Collecting stool samples can be challenging for some individuals.

Doctor Recommendations After Fecal Fat Test Result

 Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Fecal Fat Test.

Fecal Fat Test Price

Here are the estimated Fecal Fat Test Prices in India with different top cities:

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, The Fecal Fat Test evaluates fat absorption in the digestive system based on stool samples. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

• Fecal fat test - Wikipedia [1].
• 72 Hour Quantitative Fecal Fat - AACC [2].