Very Long-Chain Fatty Acid C24:0 and Creatinine, Urine and Stool
Measures very long-chain fatty acid C24:0 and creatinine in urine and stool to help assess fatty-acid metabolism or intestinal absorption.
["Abnormal results may reflect changes in fatty-acid handling or absorption, but diet and other factors must also be considered."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50060-3
- Short code
- VLCFA C24:0/Creat Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- VLCFA C24:0/Creat Ur-sRto
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures very long-chain fatty acid C24:0, a type of long-chain fat, in urine and stool. Creatinine is also measured; in urine, it can help account for differences in urine concentration.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when symptoms suggest an issue with intestinal fat absorption, nutritional intake, or the body's handling of fatty acids. The results are usually interpreted with other laboratory tests and the clinical picture.
How is the test performed?
Urine and stool samples are collected as directed by the laboratory. The laboratory analyzes the samples to determine the amount of C24:0 fatty acid and the creatinine measurement, when applicable.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions and tell the clinician about major dietary changes, fatty-acid supplements, and any diarrhea or other bowel symptoms. Do not change your diet specifically for this test unless your clinician instructs you to do so.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An abnormal C24:0 result may occur with altered fatty-acid metabolism or impaired intestinal absorption. Results from urine and stool can also be affected by diet, supplements, bowel function, and sample collection, so an isolated abnormal value is not diagnostic. Your clinician will interpret the findings alongside symptoms and other tests.
Short name
VLCFA C24:0 and creatinine
Frequently asked questions
What does very long-chain fatty acid C24:0 measure?
Why is creatinine included?
Does an abnormal result mean I have a metabolic disorder?
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