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HelpTest ID: NEFA Free Fatty Acids, Total, Serum
Reporting Name
Free Fatty Acids, Total, SUseful For
Evaluation of metabolic status of patients with endocrinopathies
Monitoring of control of diabetes mellitus
Monitoring the effects of therapeutic diet/exercise lifestyle changes
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen 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 | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82725
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| NEFA | Free Fatty Acids, Total, S | 15066-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| NEFA | Free Fatty Acids, Total, S | 15066-4 |
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.
Interpretation
Abnormally high levels of free fatty acids are associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and with conditions that involve excessive release of a lipoactive hormone such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon, thyrotropin, and adrenocorticotropin.
Clinical Reference
1. Boden G. Obesity and free fatty acids. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2008;37(3):635-646, viii-ix. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2008.06.007
2. Haus JM, Soloman TP, Marchetti CM, Edmison JM, Gonzalez F, Kirwan JP. Free fatty acid-induced hepatic insulin resistance is attenuated following lifestyle intervention in obese individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(1):323-327. doi: 10.1210/jc.2009-1101
3.Imrie H, Abbas A, Kearney M. Insulin resistance, lipotoxicity and endothelial dysfunction. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2010;1801 (3):320-326. doi:10.1016/j.bbalip.2009.09.025
4. Marusic M, Paic M, Knobloch M, Liberati Prso AM. NAFLD, Insulin Resistance, and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;2021:6613827. doi:10.1155/2021/6613827
Report Available
1 to 3 daysMethod Name
Enzymatic Colorimetric
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen.
mml-lipids-lipoproteins