Fecal Fat

Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-24 (EDT)

See Also	Lab Tests

The Fecal Fat test is conducted to confirm the diagnosis of steatorrhea. Steatorrhea may be suspected when a patient has large, greasy, and foul-smelling stools. An abnormal high fecal fat content can confirm this diagnosis.

Discussion

• This test measures the fat content in stool.
• The most reliable measurement can be obtained from a total output of fecal fat per 24 hours in a 3-day stool collection.
• Any condition that may cause malabsorption or maldigestion is associated with fecal fat.

Patient Preparation

• Patient may be given instructions on an appropriate diet.

• Factors which can cause increased levels

• Drugs: enemas and laxatives, especially mineral oil

• Factors which can cause decreased levels

• Drugs: Metamucil and barium

Clinical Implications

High levels indicate:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Malabsorption secondary to sprue, celiac disease, Whipple disease, Crohn disease (regional enteritis), or radiation enteritis
• Maldigestion secondary to obstruction of the pancreatobiliary tree (e.g., cancer, stricture, gallstones)
• Short-gut syndrome secondary to surgical resection, surgical bypass, or congenital anomaly

Low levels indicate:

• None noted

Associated Tests

• D-Xylose absorption