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Fecal fat test for digestion, nutrient absorption, and gut health concerns

Fecal Fat Test for Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

Fecal Fat, Qualitative

  • Check fat digestion and absorption
  • Detect nutrient malabsorption problems early
  • Screen for greasy stool causes
$160
First results as soon as overnight*

All results normal? Get your money back. First-time customers only. File a support ticket titled “Money Back Guarantee” with your order number within 15 days of receiving your results. STD, Sickle Cell, and gift orders aren’t eligible. Full terms apply. guarantee
No questions asked refunds
LegitScript certified

Prescription & all lab fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Doctor's guidance included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

Prescription & all lab fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Doctor's guidance included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

All results normal? Get your money back. First-time customers only. File a support ticket titled “Money Back Guarantee” with your order number within 15 days of receiving your results. STD, Sickle Cell, and gift orders aren’t eligible. Full terms apply. guarantee
No questions asked refunds
LegitScript certified

What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing greasy, foul-smelling, or floating stools, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing digestive discomfort. It helps check whether your body is properly digesting and absorbing fat from food. This can be an early clue to problems with your digestive system, pancreas, or gut.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with an explanation of what a normal versus abnormal fat level in your stool means. If your result suggests poor fat absorption, next steps often include reviewing your diet, cutting back on high-fat foods temporarily, and retesting to confirm the pattern. If your result is significantly abnormal or you have ongoing severe symptoms, seek medical care promptly. You can download the full lab report anytime and track any repeat testing over time using the trends feature.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include greasy or oily-looking stools that float or are hard to flush, frequent loose stools, unexplained weight loss, bloating, and feeling unusually tired after meals. Some people also notice a strong, unpleasant odor to their stool. If these symptoms are ongoing, this test can help figure out if fat malabsorption is the cause.

How can I naturally support healthy fat digestion?
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can ease the workload on your digestive system. Adding digestion-friendly foods like ginger, papaya, and fiber-rich vegetables may help support healthy gut function. Staying hydrated and limiting fried or heavily processed fatty foods can also reduce symptoms while you sort out the underlying cause. These steps support digestion but do not replace addressing an underlying medical condition.
When will I get my results?
Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. Once processed, they will be uploaded directly to your secure online account. You'll get a notification so you can log in and review everything as soon as it's available.
Who should consider this test?
This test is a good fit for anyone with ongoing digestive symptoms like greasy stools, bloating, or unexplained weight loss. It's also useful for people who have a known digestive or pancreatic condition and want to monitor how well they're absorbing nutrients. If you've noticed a pattern of symptoms after eating fatty meals, this test can offer helpful insight.
What is fat malabsorption and why does it matter?
Fat malabsorption happens when your digestive system isn't breaking down or absorbing dietary fat properly, so it passes through undigested. This matters because fat carries important vitamins like A, D, E, and K, so ongoing malabsorption can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time. Catching it early lets you make diet changes or seek care before it affects your overall health.
What does a high fat result mean?
A high amount of fat in your stool suggests your body isn't fully digesting or absorbing the fat you eat. This can be linked to issues with the pancreas, gallbladder, or small intestine. It's worth noting how your symptoms line up with your diet and considering a follow-up test to confirm the finding.
What causes abnormal fecal fat levels?
Common causes include pancreatic issues that limit digestive enzymes, gallbladder or liver conditions that affect bile production, and intestinal conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption. Certain medications, like those containing mineral or castor oil, can also cause a false abnormal result. Diet extremes, such as a very high-fat meal before testing, can sometimes skew results too.
What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Start by reviewing the pre-collection guidance to rule out anything that might have skewed the result, like oil-based products or supplements. Consider adjusting your diet to reduce fat intake temporarily and watch whether your symptoms improve. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, seek medical care so the underlying cause can be properly addressed.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at [email protected]. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
We don’t sell or share your data. Your time & privacy matter.
US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Get lab order in minutes, results come overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
Fecal Fat (Qualitative) Positive - Increased fat globules
Demo results
Negative (Normal) Positive (Increased Fat)
Positive - Increased fat globules

What this means

A positive result means increased fat globules were found in the stool sample, which can suggest your body isn't fully digesting or absorbing dietary fat. This is often linked to issues with the pancreas, gallbladder, or intestines. It's a helpful starting point for figuring out the cause of digestive symptoms like greasy stools or bloating.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More advanced tests may take longer due to complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
Choose a checkup
Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Find a lab near you

Search Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp locations available through Private MD Labs.

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Fecal Fat Test for Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

  • Check fat digestion and absorption
  • Detect nutrient malabsorption problems early
  • Screen for greasy stool causes
$160
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.
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For informational purposes only. Not medical advice.