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Test Code NITF Nitrogen, Total, Feces

Reporting Name

Nitrogen, Total, F

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Useful For

Determining nitrogen balance, when used in conjunction with 24-hour urine nitrogen measurement

 

Assessing nutritional status (protein malnutrition)

 

Evaluating protein catabolism

Method Name

Dumas Combustion


Shipping Instructions


Send entire stool collection (must contain at least 5 g of feces) frozen on dry ice in Mayo Clinic Laboratories-approved container.



Necessary Information


Length of collection period is required.



Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: Laxatives and enemas should not be used during collection as barium and boric acid interfere with test procedure.

Supplies: Stool Containers - 24, 48, 72 Hour Kit (T291)

Container/Tube: Stool container; complies with shipping requirements, do not use other containers.

Specimen Volume: Entire collection (24, 48, 72, or 96 hours)

Collection Instructions:

1. All containers must be sent together.

2. Entire collection must contain at least 5 g of feces.

3. The number of containers sent should be indicated on the labels (ie, 1 of 4)

Specimen Stability Information: Frozen 3 years

Additional Information: Patient can store sample at refrigerate temperature during collection period.


Specimen Type

Fecal

Specimen Minimum Volume

See Specimen Required

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Fecal Frozen (preferred)
  Ambient  7 days
  Refrigerated  7 days

Reject Due To

Urine and stool mixed Reject

Reference Values

<16 years: Not established

≥16 years: 1-2 g/24 hours

Interpretation

Average fecal nitrogen (N) excretion is approximately 1 to 2 g N/24 hours.

 

Significantly abnormal excretion rates, resulting in negative nitrogen balance, may be associated with severe stress due to multiple traumas, head injury, sepsis, or extensive burns.

 

Elevated values above 2.5 g N/24 hours may be consistent with chronic progressive pancreatitis. The goal with therapy for a depleted person is a positive nitrogen balance of 4 to 6 g N/24 hours.

Day(s) Performed

Friday

Report Available

1 to 8 days

Test Classification

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

84999

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
NITF Nitrogen, Total, F 16141-4

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
17417 Nitrogen, Total, F 16141-4
DUR9 Collection Duration 13363-7
17416 Total Weight 30078-0