Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Stools are usually received from infants who are displaying a “failure to thrive”. This may be due to an abnormality in the gastro-intestinal tract which results in malabsorbtion of fat into the lacteals of the small intestine, leading to the presence of fat globules within faecal matter. Demonstration of these fat globules using Fat Red stain can be valuable in the diagnosis of this condition.
Specimen container adult:
25ml Universal Container or 60ml Sterilin pots
Minimum volume adult:
5ml (less will be accepted if necessary)
Sample stability:
Can be stored at room temperature for short periods, or store in refrigerator (2-8oC)
Transport requirements:
Standard
Quality assurance:
NEQAS technical EQA scheme