Test Id : FAPEP
Fatty Acid Profile, Essential, Serum
Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Evaluating the nutritional intake and intestinal absorption of essential fatty acids
Identifying deficiency of essential and other nutritionally beneficial fatty acids
Monitoring treatment of patients with essential fatty acid deficiencies who are receiving linoleic acid (C18:2w6) and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3w3)
Method Name
A short description of the method used to perform the test
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Stable Isotope Dilution Analysis
NY State Available
Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.
Reporting Name
Lists a shorter or abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test
Aliases
Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching
C12-C22, Fatty Acid Profile, Essential
Essential Fatty Acids
Long-Chain Fatty Acids (LCFA)
Omega 3
Omega 6
Omega 7
Omega 9
Omega fatty acids
Soft-FAPEP
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Lauric Acid
Myristic Acid
Hexadecenoic Acid
Palmitoleic Acid
Palmitic Acid
Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Linoleic Acid
Oleic Acid
Vaccenic Acid
Stearic Acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Arachidonic Acid
Mead Acid
Homo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Arachidic Acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Docosapentaenoic Acid
Docosatetraenoic Acid
Docosenoic Acid
Nervonic Acid
C12:0
C14:0
C16:1w9
C16:1w7
C16:0
C18:3w6
C18:3w3
C18:2w6
C18:1w9
C18:1w7
C18:0
C20:5w3
C20:4w6
C20:3w9
C20:3w6
C20:0
C22:5w3
C22:6w3
C22:5w6
C22:4w6
C22:1
C24:1
EPA
DHA
DPA
Triene:Tetraene Ratio
Specimen Type
Describes the specimen type validated for testing
Serum
Necessary Information
1. Patient's age is required.
2. Include information regarding treatment, family history, and tentative diagnosis.
Specimen Required
Defines the optimal specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing
Patient Preparation:
1. For nutritional assessment, patient should fast overnight (12-14 hours); for patients with a suspected fatty acid oxidation disorder, collect immediately before next feeding as fasting is contraindicated.
2. Patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before the specimen collection.
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Defines the amount of sample necessary to provide a clinically relevant result as determined by the testing laboratory. The minimum volume is sufficient for one attempt at testing.
0.15 mL
Reject Due To
Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | OK |
Specimen Stability Information
Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the performing laboratory, alternate acceptable temperatures are also included
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 92 days | |
Refrigerated | 72 hours |
Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Evaluating the nutritional intake and intestinal absorption of essential fatty acids
Identifying deficiency of essential and other nutritionally beneficial fatty acids
Monitoring treatment of patients with essential fatty acid deficiencies who are receiving linoleic acid (C18:2w6) and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3w3)
Clinical Information
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Fats are important sources of energy for tissues and for the function and integrity of cellular membranes. Deficiencies are commonly caused by inadequate dietary intake of lipids due to an unbalanced diet, long-term parenteral nutrition, or by intestinal malabsorption. Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, and alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, are considered essential fatty acids in that they cannot be made by the body and are essential components of the diet.
The major clinical manifestations associated with essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) include dermatitis, increased water permeability of the skin, increased susceptibility to infection, and impaired wound healing. Biochemical abnormalities may be detected before the onset of recognizable clinical manifestations. EFAD can be detected by diminished levels of the essential fatty acids, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid, as well as by increases in the triene:tetraene ratio.
Excess dietary fatty acids have been linked to the onset of cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of linoleic acid can contribute to overproduction of the proinflammatory 2-series local hormones. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that dietary fat for the healthy adult population should provide 20% to 35% of energy, with an increased consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and limited intake of saturated and trans fats.(1)
Reference Values
Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Lauric Acid, C12:0
<1 year: 6-190 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 5-80 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 6-90 nmol/mL
Myristic Acid, C14:0
<1 year: 30-320 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 40-290 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 30-450 nmol/mL
Hexadecenoic Acid, C16:1w9
<1 year: 21-69 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 24-82 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 25-105 nmol/mL
Palmitoleic Acid, C16:1w7
<1 year: 20-1,020 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 100-670 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 110-1,130 nmol/mL
Palmitic Acid, C16:0
<1 year: 720-3,120 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 960-3,460 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 1,480-3,730 nmol/mL
Gamma-Linolenic Acid, C18:3w6
<1 year: 6-110 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 9-130 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 16-150 nmol/mL
Alpha-Linolenic Acid, C18:3w3
<1 year: 10-190 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 20-120 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 50-130 nmol/mL
Linoleic Acid, C18:2w6
< or =31 days: 350-2,660 nmol/mL
32 days-11 months: 1,000-3,300 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 1,600-3,500 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 2,270-3,850 nmol/mL
Oleic Acid, C18:1w9
<1 year: 250-3,500 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 350-3,500 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 650-3,500 nmol/mL
Vaccenic Acid, C18:1w7
<1 year: 140-720 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 320-900 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 280-740 nmol/mL
Stearic Acid, C18:0
<1 year: 270-1,140 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 280-1,170 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 590-1,170 nmol/mL
EPA, C20:5w3
<1 year: 2-60 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 8-90 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 14-100 nmol/mL
Arachidonic Acid, C20:4w6
<1 year: 110-1,110 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 350-1,030 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 520-1,490 nmol/mL
Mead Acid, C20:3w9
< or =31 days: 8-60 nmol/mL
32 days-11 months: 3-24 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 7-30 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 7-30 nmol/mL
Homo-Gamma-Linolenic C20:3w6
<1 year: 30-170 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 60-220 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 50-250 nmol/mL
Arachidic Acid, C20:0
<1 year: 30-120 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 30-90 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 50-90 nmol/mL
DHA, C22:6w3
<1 year: 10-220 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 30-160 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 30-250 nmol/mL
DPA, C22:5w6
<1 year: 3-70 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 10-50 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 10-70 nmol/mL
DPA, C22:5w3
<1 year: 6-110 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 30-270 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 20-210 nmol/mL
DTA, C22:4w6
<1 year: 2-50 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 10-40 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 10-80 nmol/mL
Docosenoic Acid, C22:1
<1 year: 2-20 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 4-13 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 4-13 nmol/mL
Nervonic Acid, C24:1w9
<1 year: 30-150 nmol/mL
1-17 years: 50-130 nmol/mL
> or =18 years: 60-100 nmol/mL
Triene/Tetraene Ratio
< or =31 days: 0.017-0.083
32 days-17 years: 0.013-0.050
> or =18 years: 0.010-0.038
Total Saturated Acid
<1 year: 1.2-4.6 mmol/L
1-17 years: 1.4-4.9 mmol/L
> or =18 years: 2.5-5.5 mmol/L
Total Monounsaturated Acid
<1 year: 0.3-4.6 mmol/L
1-17 years: 0.5-4.4 mmol/L
> or =18 years: 1.3-5.8 mmol/L
Total Polyunsaturated Acid
<1 year: 1.1-4.9 mmol/L
1-17 years: 1.7-5.3 mmol/L
> or =18 years: 3.2-5.8 mmol/L
Total w3
<1 year: 0.0-0.4 mmol/L
1-17 years: 0.1-0.5 mmol/L
> or =18 years: 0.2-0.5 mmol/L
Total w6
<1 year: 0.9-4.4 mmol/L
1-17 years: 1.6-4.7 mmol/L
> or =18 years: 3.0-5.4 mmol/L
Total Fatty Acids
<1 year: 3.3-14.0 mmol/L
1-17 years: 4.4-14.3 mmol/L
> or =18 years: 7.3-16.8 mmol/L
Interpretation
Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Concentrations below the stated reference ranges are consistent with fatty acid deficiencies.
An increased triene:tetraene ratio is consistent with essential fatty acid deficiency.
Cautions
Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
For nutritional assessment, a 12- to 14-hour fast is required; however, infants or persons suspected of having a fatty acid oxidation disorder should not fast before testing due to the possibility of acute metabolic decompensation. Instead, collect the specimen after the longest fast possible, just before feeding. In the case of a patient on total parenteral nutrition, specimen can be collected as normal.
Clinical Reference
Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Vannice G, Rasmussen H. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Dietary fatty acids for healthy adults. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;1(114):136-153
2. Jeppesen PB, Chistensen MS, Hoy CE, Mortensen PB. Essential fatty acid deficiency in patients with severe fat malabsorption. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997;65(3):837-843
3. Spector AA, Kim HY. Discovery of essential fatty acids. J. Lipid Res. 2015;56(1):11-21
4. Luszczki E, Boakye F, Zielinska M, Deren K, et al. Vegan diet: nutritional components, implementation, and effects on adults' health. Front Nutr. 2023;10:1294497. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1294497
Method Description
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
Quantitation of fatty acids of specific chain lengths is performed as follows: a 2-step, acid-base hydrolysis is followed by hexane extraction and derivatization with pentafluorobenzyl bromide. Separation and detection are accomplished by capillary gas chromatography electron-capture negative ion-mass spectrometry. Quantitation is based on analysis in the selected ion-monitoring mode by using 13 stable isotope-labeled internal standards.(Lagerstedt SA, Hinrichs DR, Batt SM, Magera MJ, Rinaldo P, McConnell JP. Quantitative determination of plasma C8-C26 total fatty acids for the biochemical diagnosis of nutritional and metabolic disorders. Mol Genet Metab. 2001;73[1]:38-45; Gramlich L, Ireton-Jones C, Miles JM, Morrison M, Pontes-Arruda A. Essential fatty acid requirements and intravenous lipid emulsions. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2019;43[6]:697-707)
PDF Report
Indicates whether the report includes an additional document with charts, images or other enriched information
Day(s) Performed
Outlines the days the test is performed. This field reflects the day that the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means that assays are performed multiple times during the day.
Monday through Friday
Report Available
The interval of time (receipt of sample at Mayo Clinic Laboratories to results available) taking into account standard setup days and weekends. The first day is the time that it typically takes for a result to be available. The last day is the time it might take, accounting for any necessary repeated testing.
Specimen Retention Time
Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
Performing Laboratory Location
Indicates the location of the laboratory that performs the test
Fees :
Several factors determine the fee charged to perform a test. Contact your U.S. or International Regional Manager for information about establishing a fee schedule or to learn more about resources to optimize test selection.
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Test Classification
Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR) product.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
CPT Code Information
Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Clinic Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.
CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.
CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.
82725
LOINC® Information
Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the order and results codes of this test. LOINC values are provided by the performing laboratory.
Test Id | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
FAPEP | Fatty Acid Profile, Essential, S | 43676-6 |
Result Id | Test Result Name |
Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
|
---|---|---|
17021 | Lauric Acid, C12:0 | 35150-2 |
17022 | Myristic Acid, C14:0 | 35157-7 |
17023 | Hexadecenoic Acid, C16:1w9 | 35155-1 |
17024 | Palmitoleic Acid, C16:1w7 | 35162-7 |
17025 | Palmitic Acid, C16:0 | 35161-9 |
17026 | g-Linolenic Acid, C18:3w6 | 35163-5 |
17027 | a-Linolenic Acid, C18:3w3 | 35164-3 |
17028 | Linoleic Acid, C18:2w6 | 35165-0 |
17029 | Oleic Acid, C18:1w9 | 35166-8 |
17030 | Vaccenic Acid, C18:1w7 | 35167-6 |
17031 | Stearic Acid, C18:0 | 35149-4 |
17032 | EPA, C20:5w3 | 35173-4 |
17033 | Arachidonic Acid, C20:4w6 | 35168-4 |
17034 | Mead Acid, C20:3w9 | 35172-6 |
17035 | h-g-Linolenic, C20:3w6 | 35171-8 |
17036 | Arachidic Acid, C20:0 | 35169-2 |
17037 | DHA, C22:6w3 | 35174-2 |
17038 | DPA, C22:5w6 | 35181-7 |
17039 | DPA, C22:5w3 | 35180-9 |
17040 | DTA, C22:4w6 | 35182-5 |
17041 | Docosenoic Acid, C22:1 | 35160-1 |
17042 | Nervonic Acid, C24:1w9 | 35170-0 |
17043 | Triene Tetraene Ratio | 35411-8 |
17044 | Total Saturated Acid | 35175-9 |
17045 | Total Monounsaturated Acid | 35176-7 |
17046 | Total Polyunsaturated Acid | 35177-5 |
17047 | Total w3 | 35178-3 |
17048 | Total w6 | 35179-1 |
17049 | Total Fatty Acids | 24461-6 |
17054 | Interpretation | 59462-2 |
Test Setup Resources
Setup Files
Test setup information contains test file definition details to support order and result interfacing between Mayo Clinic Laboratories and your Laboratory Information System.
Sample Reports
Normal and Abnormal sample reports are provided as references for report appearance.
SI Sample Reports
International System (SI) of Unit reports are provided for a limited number of tests. These reports are intended for international account use and are only available through MayoLINK accounts that have been defined to receive them.
Test Update Resources
Change Type | Effective Date |
---|---|
Test Changes - Specimen Information | 2023-08-17 |