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Test Code NEFA Free Fatty Acids, Total, Serum

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Patient Preparation:

1. Fasting-overnight (12-14 hours).

2. Patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before the specimen is collected.

3. Patient should not be receiving therapeutic heparin.

Collection Container/Tube: 

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Centrifuge within 45 minutes of collection and aliquot 1 mL of serum into a plastic vial.

2. Immediately freeze specimen.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Frozen 7 days

Reference Values

≥18 years: 0.00-0.72 mmol/L

Reference values have not been established for patients who are <18 years of age.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

82725

Clinical Information

Elevated serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) are associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. NEFA are causally linked with insulin resistance and inflammation of vascular endothelium.

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus Reject

Method Name

Enzymatic Colorimetric

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen.