What is the stool Fat test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is a stool fat test?
A stool fat test is done to measure the amount of fat in the stool. It gives information on how much of the fat is body absorbs during digestion.
Also Read: Fecal Occult Blood Test
What are the types of stool fat tests?
There are two types of stool fat tests:
- Qualitative: In qualitative a single sample of stool is checked under a microscope to see fat globules.
- Quantitative: in quantitative a collection of stool is done for 3 consecutive days to check the total amount of fat in your stool each day.
Why is this test done?
A stool fat test is usually recommended in suspected cases of malabsorption or to check whether your digestion system is working properly But it doesn’t play an important role in the diagnosis of a specific disease.
What are the indicative symptoms for stool fat test?
- Frequent passing of greasy stool in large amounts
- Indigestion
- Undefined weight loss
- Floating of stool
- Foul smelling stool
- Gas
- indigestion
What is the average value of the stool fat test?
The normal range is 2-7g over a 24-hour period
For 72 hours the normal range will be.
What does a higher level of stool fat indicate?
Decreased absorption of fat can be the cause of several illnesses:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Pancreatitis
- Celiac disease
- Chrohns disease
- Malnutrition
- Enteritis
- Whipple disease
- Cancer of the pancreas and biliary duct.
What might affect your results?
Results can be affected by several things:
- Using rectal suppositories and rectal oil or cream
- Not having a balanced diet
- Intake of high-fibrous food and use of a laxative
- Urine in a stool sample
- Ingestion of castor oil and mineral oil
