Serum or plasma concentration of free fatty acids (medium-chain and long-chain)
This test measures the levels of free fatty acids in your blood, which are important for energy production and other metabolic processes.
["Understanding your free fatty acid levels can help assess how your body uses fat for energy and identify potential metabolic concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33088-6
- Short code
- GA from CL.Yarkoni85
- Synonyms
- GA from CL.Yarkoni85
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-estimated-from-clavicle-length-yarkoni
- 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms related to metabolic disorders, such as unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or signs of lipid metabolism issues. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or liver disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the blood draw if your provider specifies it. Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol for a few hours beforehand.
What the Test Involves
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures the total concentration of free fatty acids, including both medium- and long-chain types.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your body is efficiently processing fats. Elevated levels may suggest conditions like hyperlipidemia or metabolic syndrome, while very low levels could indicate malabsorption or other metabolic issues.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Free fatty acids play a critical role in energy storage and release. Abnormal levels can indicate underlying metabolic dysfunctions, such as impaired fat metabolism, endocrine disorders, or conditions affecting nutrient absorption. Your provider will use these results alongside other clinical findings to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Short name
Free Fatty Acids (FFA) Profile
Frequently asked questions
What causes free fatty acid levels to be checked?
How do free fatty acids relate to other tests?
Can lifestyle changes affect free fatty acid test results?
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