Fecal fat

Digestive system organs

The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

Also known as: Quantitative stool fat determination and Fat absorption

Definition

The fecal fat test measures the amount of fat in the stool, which helps estimate the percentage of dietary fat that the body does not absorb.

How the test is performed

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, you can prevent mixing of urine and stool. Preventing such mixing can give a better sample.

Collect all stool that is released over a 24-hour period (or sometimes 3 days) in special containers. Label the containers with name, time, and date, and send them to the laboratory.

How to prepare for the test

Eat a normal diet containing about 100 grams of fat per day for 3 days before starting the test. The health care provider may ask you to stop using substances that can affect test results, such as drugs or food additives.

How the test will feel

The test involves only normal bowel movements. There is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed

This test evaluates fat absorption to tell how well the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and intestines are working.

Fat malabsorption can cause a change in your stools called steatorrhea. To absorb fat normally, the body needs bile from the gallbladder (or liver if the gallbladder has been removed), enzymes from the pancreas, and normal intestines.

Normal Values

Less than 7 grams of fat per 24 hours.

What abnormal results mean

Decreased fat absorption may be caused by:

What the risks are

There are no risks.

Special considerations

Factors that interfere with the test are:

  • Enemas
  • Laxatives
  • Mineral oil

References

Semrad CE, Powell DW. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 143.

See also:

  • Disease

    Malabsorption

    Digestive system

    Malabsorption is difficulty absorbing nutrients from food.

  • Disease

    Cancer

    Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.

  • Disease

    Cystic fibrosis

    Clubbing

    Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults, and may result in early death. See also:

  • Disease

    Short bowel syndrome

    Digestive system

    Short bowel syndrome is a condition in which nutrients are not properly absorbed () due to severe intestinal disease or the surgical removal of a large portion of the small intestine.

  • Nutrition

    Fat

    Healthy diet

    Fats are organic compounds that are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are a source of energy in foods. Fats belong to a group of substances called lipids, and come in liquid or solid form. All fats are combinations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

  • Disease

    Gallstones

    Digestive system

    Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Gallstones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. See also:

  • Disease

    Biliary stricture

    Bile pathway

    A biliary stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the common bile duct, the tube that moves (a substance that helps with digestion) from the liver to the small intestine.

  • Disease

    Pancreatic carcinoma

    Digestive system

    Pancreatic carcinoma is cancer of the pancreas.

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    Radiation enteritis

    Digestive system

    Radiation is damage to the lining of the intestines (bowels) due to , a type of cancer treatment.

  • Disease

    Celiac disease - sprue

    Digestive system

    Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.

  • Disease

    Chronic pancreatitis

    Digestive system

    Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve, gets worse over time, and leads to permanent damage.

  • Special Topic

    Bile

    Digestive system

    Bile is a digestive fluid that is made and released by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps break down into fatty acids, which can be taken into the body by the digestive tract. Bile contains mostly cholesterol, bile acids (also called bile salts), and bilirubin (a breakdown ...

  • Disease

    Pancreatitis

    Digestive system

    Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach. It releases the hormones insulin and glucagon, as well as digestive enzymes that help you digest and absorb food.

  • Disease

    Crohn's disease

    Digestive system

    Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It usually affects the intestines, but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the end of the rectum (anus). See also:

  • Disease

    Whipple’s disease

    Whipple’s disease is a rare condition that prevents the small intestines from properly absorbing nutrients. This is called

Review date:
August 14, 2010
Reviewed by:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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