Anyone ever had to have a patient undergo a 72 hr fecal fat test? I have been asked to do this and dont know where to begin. This seems very unpleasant, is there anyother way to go about doing this? I would like to hear your experinces
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Fecal Fat Test
Started by nuresemom, Jan 17 2006 09:23 AM
2 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 17 January 2006 - 01:09 PM
Hi,
i did some research because I've personally never had to perform that specific test. My findings were mostly on the rationale behind the test and not the specifics of the test itself. There are two different test: 1. The qualitative test involves staining a specimen of stool with a special dye, then examining it microscopically for evidence of malabsorption, such as undigested muscle fiber and various fats. 2.
The quantitative test involves drying and weighing a 72-hour stool specimen, then using an extraction technique to separate the fats, which are subsequently evaporated and weighed. This measurement of the total output of fecal fat per 24 hours in a three-day specimen is the most reliable test for steatorrhea.
This test requires a 72-hour stool collection. The patient should abstain from alcohol during this time and maintain a high-fat diet (100 g/day) for three days before the test, and during the collection period. The patient should call the laboratory for instructions on how to collect the specimen. But i dont see specifics on the test itself. Looks like you just have to collect the samples and send them to the lab... maybe someone out there has more info and wants to share lol ...
Nawlinsgirl
i did some research because I've personally never had to perform that specific test. My findings were mostly on the rationale behind the test and not the specifics of the test itself. There are two different test: 1. The qualitative test involves staining a specimen of stool with a special dye, then examining it microscopically for evidence of malabsorption, such as undigested muscle fiber and various fats. 2.
The quantitative test involves drying and weighing a 72-hour stool specimen, then using an extraction technique to separate the fats, which are subsequently evaporated and weighed. This measurement of the total output of fecal fat per 24 hours in a three-day specimen is the most reliable test for steatorrhea.
This test requires a 72-hour stool collection. The patient should abstain from alcohol during this time and maintain a high-fat diet (100 g/day) for three days before the test, and during the collection period. The patient should call the laboratory for instructions on how to collect the specimen. But i dont see specifics on the test itself. Looks like you just have to collect the samples and send them to the lab... maybe someone out there has more info and wants to share lol ...
Nawlinsgirl
Success stems from hard work, devotion, and the ability to learn from one's mistakes.
#3
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Posted 17 January 2006 - 05:58 PM
when we have to perform this test on patients at work we place a hat in the toilet on the back side. the test date and time start with the first collected stool specimen. all stools are placed in a large "jug" with a lid. after the 72 hrs is up it is sent off to the lab. i'm not sure what happens from there, nawlinsgirl gave me some insight from her research, but this is the procedure we use to collect it.
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