The Fecal Fat, Qualitative Stool Test | Check for Fat Malabsorption test contains 1 test with 2 biomarkers .

The Fecal Fat, Qualitative test is a stool test used to check for excess fat in stool. It may help evaluate fat malabsorption, maldigestion, greasy stools, floating stools, foul-smelling stools, chronic diarrhea, bloating, unexplained weight loss, and possible nutrient absorption concerns. Abnormal results may suggest that the body is not properly digesting or absorbing dietary fat and may support follow-up testing for pancreatic function, celiac disease, intestinal inflammation, bile-related issues, liver health, gallbladder function, infection, or nutrient deficiencies.

Why is this test important?

Your body needs healthy fat absorption to support energy, hormone production, brain function, cell health, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. When too much fat passes through the stool, it may suggest that the body is not using nutrients effectively.

A fecal fat test may help evaluate possible causes of digestive symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, greasy stools, bloating, or unexplained weight loss. MedlinePlus explains that fecal fat testing measures the amount of fat in stool and can help estimate how much dietary fat the body is not absorbing. 

What can excess fecal fat suggest?

Higher-than-expected fat in the stool may be associated with conditions that affect digestion or nutrient absorption, including:

• Malabsorption
• Maldigestion
• Pancreatic enzyme insufficiency
• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel conditions
• Liver or bile-related digestive issues
• Certain intestinal infections or digestive disorders

This test does not diagnose a specific condition by itself. Instead, it provides helpful information that may guide further testing and discussion with a healthcare provider.

Symptoms that may lead someone to order this test

You may consider the Fecal Fat, Qualitative test if you have symptoms such as:

• Greasy, oily, pale, or foul-smelling stools
• Stools that float or are difficult to flush
• Chronic diarrhea or loose stools
• Bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Signs of poor nutrient absorption
• Concern about digestive or pancreatic function

Cleveland Clinic describes steatorrhea, or fatty stool, as excess fat in the stool and notes that it may occur when the digestive system has trouble breaking down or absorbing fats. 

How the test works

This test uses a stool sample to look for fat. Because it is a qualitative test, it helps determine whether fat is present at an abnormal level rather than measuring the exact total amount of fat over a timed collection period.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend additional testing, such as a quantitative fecal fat test, pancreatic enzyme testing, celiac testing, stool inflammation markers, or other digestive health labs.

Preparation and collection

Follow the collection instructions provided with your lab order or stool collection kit. Proper collection and handling are important for accurate results. Do not change medications, supplements, or diet unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

What your results may mean

A normal result may suggest that there is no clear evidence of increased fat in the stool at the time of testing.

An abnormal result may suggest that fat is not being fully digested or absorbed. This may require additional evaluation to help identify the cause. Your healthcare provider may review your symptoms, diet, medical history, medications, and other lab results before recommending next steps.

Related tests to consider

Depending on symptoms, related tests may include:

• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
• CBC with Differential and Platelets
• Celiac Disease Comprehensive Panel
• Pancreatic Elastase-1, Stool
• Calprotectin, Stool
• Lactoferrin, Stool
• Ova and Parasites
• Giardia and Cryptosporidium Antigen Panel
• H. pylori Stool Antigen
• Vitamin D
• Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity
• Ferritin
• Vitamin B12 and Folate

Take control of your digestive health with Ulta Lab Tests

Ulta Lab Tests makes it easy to order affordable lab testing online, with access to trusted laboratory testing and secure results. The Fecal Fat, Qualitative test can provide useful insight into how well your body may be digesting and absorbing dietary fat.

Order your lab tests online at UltaLabTests.com and use your results to have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider.

FAQ Section

What is the Fecal Fat, Qualitative test?

The Fecal Fat, Qualitative test is a stool test that checks for excess fat in the stool. Too much fat in stool may suggest that the body is not properly digesting or absorbing dietary fat.

What does a fecal fat stool test help detect?

A fecal fat stool test may help identify signs of fat malabsorption or maldigestion. It may be used when symptoms include greasy stools, floating stools, chronic diarrhea, bloating, gas, or unexplained weight loss.

What does it mean if fat is found in my stool?

Fat in the stool may mean that dietary fat is passing through the digestive system without being fully broken down or absorbed. This may happen with pancreatic, intestinal, bile, liver, gallbladder, celiac, or nutrient absorption problems.

What are symptoms of fat malabsorption?

Symptoms may include greasy or oily stools, floating stools, pale or bulky stools, foul-smelling stool, chronic diarrhea, bloating, abdominal discomfort, gas, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

Is Fecal Fat, Qualitative the same as a quantitative fecal fat test?

No. A qualitative fecal fat test checks whether excess fat is present in a stool sample. A quantitative fecal fat test measures the amount of fat in stool over a timed collection period, often 24 to 72 hours.

Can this test diagnose pancreatic insufficiency?

This test cannot diagnose pancreatic insufficiency by itself. However, excess fat in stool may support further evaluation of pancreatic enzyme function. A healthcare provider may also consider a Pancreatic Elastase-1 stool test.

Can celiac disease cause excess fat in stool?

Yes. Celiac disease can damage the small intestine and reduce nutrient absorption. In some people, this may lead to fat malabsorption and excess fat in the stool.

Can gallbladder or bile problems affect fecal fat?

Yes. Bile helps the body digest and absorb fat. Problems with bile production, bile flow, or gallbladder function may affect fat digestion and contribute to fat in the stool.

Who should consider ordering the Fecal Fat, Qualitative test?

This test may be considered by people with greasy stools, floating stools, chronic diarrhea, bloating, gas, unexplained weight loss, or concern about malabsorption. Test results should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.

What follow-up tests may be useful after an abnormal fecal fat result?

Possible follow-up tests may include Pancreatic Elastase-1, Stool; Celiac Disease Comprehensive Panel; Calprotectin, Stool; Lactoferrin, Stool; CBC; CMP; ferritin; iron and TIBC; vitamin D; vitamin B12; folate; and stool infection testing.

Does a normal result rule out digestive disease?

No. A normal Fecal Fat, Qualitative result means excess fat was not detected in that stool sample. It does not rule out all digestive, intestinal, pancreatic, bile, liver, or nutrient absorption problems.

Why order the Fecal Fat, Qualitative test through Ulta Lab Tests?

Ulta Lab Tests makes it easy to order lab testing online, access trusted laboratory testing, and receive secure results. This test may help provide useful information for people evaluating digestive symptoms and possible malabsorption.