Essential Fatty Acids (Blood)

Referring Laboratory

LabPLUS SCP Biochemical Genetics

Testing Laboratory

Mater Pathology, Mater Adult Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

EFA

Test Code (Numeric Code)

5880

Synonyms

alpha-linolenic acid C18:3w3, Arachidonic acid C20:4w6, Docosahexaenoic acid C22:6w3, Eicosapentaenoic acid C20:5w3, Fatty acids - essential
gamma-Linolenic acid, Linoleic acid C18:2w6, Mead acid, Omega 3, Omega 6

This test may be vetted by the laboratory. Please include relevant clinical information on the request form to ensure appropriate tests are approved. See the 'Clinical Information' section on the testing laboratory's test guide for more information on the indications for testing.

Specimen Type

• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Please refer to Additional Information below
• Plain (Red Top)

Acceptable

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Not to be confused with Free Fatty Acids (FFA).

Separate within 3hrs of collection. Separate 500uL serum or plasma (minimum 150uL). Send frozen to LabPLUS -20°C.

The patient should ideally but not necessarily fast overnight for 9-12 hours. If fasting is not possible, take the sample just before the next feed.

Measurement of essential fatty acids is only warranted in specific circumstances: liver disease: pre-transplant patients, specific metabolic disorders on special low-fat/protein diets & peroxisomal disorders.
Requests from outside paediatric gastroenterology or metabolic units may be declined unless pre-arranged with a Metabolic Physician or LabPLUS Chemical Pathologist.
The clinical information for the test must be clearly written on the request form. If clinical information is not provided, or does not provide sufficient justification for the test, the test may be declined.

Pathologist Approval of Laboratory Tests

Turnaround Time: Between 6 weeks and 8 weeks

Contact Information