Free fatty acids

Referred to Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7UJ
 

Alternative names, keywords

Non-esterified fatty acids, NEFA

Samples required

Clotted blood (gold cap, 5 mL tube), and

fluoride oxalate blood (grey cap, 2 mL tube) for glucose.

Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.

To lab immediately (within 15 minutes), preferably on ice. Do not send via pneumatic tube (pod) system if on ice.

Test indications

Investigation of hypoglycaemia (see paediatric investigation profiles).

Reference range

See report.

A paired glucose is essential for interpretation.

Turnaround time

Referral lab quotes turnaround time of 7 days, however additional time must be allowed for packing, dispatch and delivery of sample, and return and processing of results.

Enquiries

Biochemistry (Referrals)