24-Hour Total Fatty Acid Profile in Plasma (Triglyceride Subset)
This test measures the total amount of fatty acids, including triglycerides, collected over 24 hours in your blood plasma. It helps assess lipid metabolism and potential dietary or metabolic influences on fat breakdown.
["Understanding how your body processes fats over a full day can reveal clues about digestion, metabolism, or dietary habits."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 78361-3
- Short code
- Fatty acid + triglyceride Pnl 24h Stl
- Synonyms
- Fatty acid + triglyceride Pnl 24h Stl
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 150
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84478
- SNOMED
- 272076007
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test quantifies the concentration of fatty acids, specifically triglycerides, in your blood plasma over a 24-hour period. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood, and this profile helps evaluate how your body absorbs, stores, and uses fats from your diet.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if they suspect issues like malabsorption (difficulty digesting fats), metabolic disorders, or to monitor long-term dietary fat intake. It can also be part of broader evaluations for conditions affecting fat metabolism.
Common Reasons for Testing
Conditions like celiac disease, pancreatic disorders, or certain genetic metabolic syndromes may require this test to check how well fats are processed. It may also be used in research or specialized clinical settings to study fat metabolism patterns.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required, but you may be asked to fast for a portion of the 24-hour period (e.g., overnight) to ensure accurate results. Collecting blood samples at consistent intervals is critical for this test.
Reference range
Normal: <150 mg/dLN/A
Fasting for 12-14 hours preferred. Water is permitted. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24h Fatty Acid Profile (Triglyceride Focus)
Frequently asked questions
How long should I expect to wait for my results?
What does an abnormal result mean?
Can I change my diet before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy