Free Fatty Acids, Plasma

Diagnostic Use

Elevated serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) are associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. NEFA are causally linked with insulin resistance and inflammation of vascular endothelium.

Abnormally high levels of free fatty acids are associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and with conditions that involve excessive release of a lipoactive hormone such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon, thyrotropin, and adrenocorticotropin.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

FFA

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Collect separate specimen on ice. Plasma must be separated from the red cells within 30 minute of collection and immediately frozen. Sample is not to be shared. Fasting specimen preferred.

Separating

Specimens must be collected on ice and the plasma separated from the red cells within 30 minute of collection and immediately frozen.

Laboratory

Gross haemolysis OK, gross lipemia reject, gross icterus OK

Test Adds

Refrigerated 72 hours, frozen (preferred) 92 days

Synonyms

Fatty Acids - free
Fatty Acids - non esterified
FFA
NEFA
Non-Esterified Fatty Acids

Turnaround Time

5 days

Test Code

4289