Your doctor may order this test for you to assess how well your body absorbs fat and detect any problems you may have with the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and intestines. The test measures the amount of fat in your stool not being absorbed by your body.
What the test involves
This test requires you to collect a stool sample and taken to the hospital lab for analysis. You can catch the stool in the container provided or on plastic wrap that has been placed under the toilet seat. Avoid any contamination of the stool with urine. Place the stool in the container provided by your doctor (or by the lab) and return it to the hospital lab. The sample should be refrigerated after collection and given to the lab within 24 hours.
How to prepare for the Test
You should continue to eat your normal diet during the 3 days prior to collecting the stool sample. If you have been on a low fat diet previously, you should NOT eat the low-fat diet during the 3 days prior to stool collection. Your doctor may also advise you to discontinue use of certain medications or food additives during this time.
After the Test
Results will be discussed with your doctor along with any appropriate treatment.
