Specimen Information

Type

Overnight fasting sample is preferred

Gold, SST

Volume

1.0 ml

Transport Info

Centrifuge and immediately transfer serum to separate plastic tube
Frozen

CRITICAL FROZEN – Separate samples must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered

Fasting Required?

False

Clinical Significance

Any disorder that causes an excessive release of a lipoactive hormone (such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, ACTH, thyrotropin, growth hormone, and glucagon) can induce a change in the blood level of fatty acids. In persons afflicted with diabetes mellitus, insulin deficiency may result in the uncontrolled release of fatty acids from adipose cells and an increased level of fatty acids in the plasma. In fasting or starvation, the fatty acid levels may rise to as much as three times the normal value. Situational stress, such as during the drawing of a blood sample, may also cause a rapid increase in plasma fatty acid levels.