Free Fatty Acids

Container: Fluoride oxalate (grey top) preferred. Note: lithium heparin plasma is unsuitable.

Sample type: Plasma (fluoride oxalate)

Test name: Free Fatty Acids a.k.a. FFA, NEFA, non esterified fatty acids

Condition / Indication: Hypoglycaemia / Ketosis

Special precautions & notes: Send to laboratory immediately. Usually requested with 3-hydroxybutyrate and glucose.

Reference range: Interpretative report provided (please provide simultaneous glucose result)

Container: Fluoride oxalate (grey top) preferred. Note: lithium heparin plasma is unsuitable.

Ideal volume (mL): 2 mL

Referred outside NBT for analysis? No

Discipline: Clinical Biochemistry

Section: Metabolic Biochemistry

Turnaround time: 7 days

www.nbt.nhs.uk/metabolic

Information for Laboratories referring samples for analysis at NBT:

Please provide glucose result. Store frozen if not posting immediately. Send sample by first class post.