Useful For: Lactoferrin, Qualitative, Stool – Lactoferrin is a marker for fecal leukocytes and a positive result is an indicator of intestinal inflammation. This elevation may be caused by acute infectious colitis or active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The test may not be appropriate in immunocompromised persons. In addition, this test is not FDA cleared for patients with a history of HIV and/or hepatitis B and C, patients with a history of infectious diarrhea (within 6 months), and patients having had a colostomy and/or ileostomy within 1 month.
Methodology: Enyzme Immunoassay
Specimen Requirements:
Preferred volume 1.0 g stool (minimum volume 0.3 g). Collect undiluted feces in clean, dry, sterile leak-proof container. Do not add fixative or preservative. Patients may collect stool and hold at room temperature until it can be properly frozen. The time held at room temperature must not exceed 48 hours from time of collection.
Specimens can be delivered to patient service center (PSC) or physician’s office for freezing and delivery to the laboratory. Once specimen has been frozen, do not thaw.
BABIES
- Specimens in diapers are not acceptable. The stool material should be scraped into a screw-capped container supplied by Meadville Medical Center Laboratory.
- Pediatric patients with severe diarrhea may use a U-bag collection system. Place the bag over the anal area in an attempt to retrieve the specimen before it soaks into the diaper.
Analytical Time: 4 days
Days Set Up: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
CPT Information:
83630 –