Fett i avføringen-testen er en diagnostisk metode som kvantifiserer mengden fett utskilt i avføringsprøver. Den brukes for å vurdere fettabsorpsjon og for å påvise malabsorpsjonssyndromer. Forhøyede fettverdier i avføringen, kjent som steatoré, kan indikere fordøyelses- eller absorpsjonsproblemer i mage-tarmkanalen. Denne testen bidrar til å diagnostisere tilstander som pankreasinsuffisiens, cystisk fibrose, cøliaki og Crohns sykdom.
Individuals showing symptoms of malabsorption, such as chronic diarrhea, greasy stools, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal discomfort, should undergo this test. It is also recommended for patients suspected of having pancreatic insufficiency, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms that might indicate a need for a fecal fat test include bulky stools, stools that are oily or greasy, floating stools, weight loss, and abdominal bloating or pain. These symptoms suggest that fat is not being properly absorbed by the body.
Abnormal results, typically indicating excess fat in the stool, can be caused by conditions that affect fat absorption such as pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and certain liver diseases. These conditions impair the digestion or absorption of fats.
The collected stool samples are analyzed in a laboratory to measure the amount of fat that was not absorbed by the body.