Essential Fatty Acids Test

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Essential Fatty Acids Test

	General Description
	Analyte List
	Turn Around Time
	Specimen Requirements
	CPT Code
	Kit Instructions
	Sample Report
	Order Test

General Description

Only two fatty acids (linoleic acid and α linolenic acid) must be taken in the diet. Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid plentiful in the diet and α-linolenic acid (e.g., flax seed oil) is an omega-3 fatty acid more difficult to obtain in modern Western diets. Theoretically, all other metabolic fatty acids can be made in the body from these two. However, low cofactor (vitamin and mineral) availability and low enzyme production may cause over or under production of derivative fatty acids. A blood essential fatty acid evaluation is the only way to determine adequacy of fatty acid intake and metabolism.

Click here to view the Recommendations By Disorder Chart (PDF)

Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids Test

	Evaluation of adequacy of fatty acids in diet
	Indications for dietary change, i.e., reduction of trans fatty acids or red meat
	Specific guidance for fatty acid supplementation

Fatty Acid Benefits (EPA, DHA, GLA)

	Lowers LDL and increases HDL cholesterol; decreases blood clotting time
	Anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory effect that benefits heart tissue
	Structural in brain and retinal tissue; improves learning and memory
	Critical in fetal and infant development
	Improves hyperactivity in children and depression in adults
	Treatment for autoimmune disorders, kidney disease, PMS, RA, MS
	Improves skin integrity

Recommendations

	Flax seed oil as source of ALA from which EPA and DHA are synthesized
	Fish oil or cod liver oil as direct sources of EPA and DHA
	Evening primrose oil, borage oil or black current oil as source of GLA if insufficiently synthesized
	Hemp oil as source of both ALA and GLA

Analyte List

Omega 3 Series: Alpha-Linolenic, Eicosatrienoic, Eicosapentaenoic, Docosahexaenoic. Omega 6 Series: Linoleic, Gamma-Linolenic, Eicosadienoic, Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic, Arachidonic, Docosatetranoic. Omega 9 Series: Trans-Elaidic, Cis-Oleic, Eicosenoic, Erucic, Nervonic. Saturated: Palmitic, Stearic.

Turn Around Time

The turn around time for this test is 2-4 weeks, unless unforeseen circumstances arise.

Specimen Requirements

7 mL of whole blood in a green-topped sodium heparin tube is the absolute minimum. 10 mL of whole blood is preferred. Sample must be shipped within 2 days of collection and stored in the refrigerator.

CPT Code

82725*17 (No Medicare Coverage)

Kit Instructions

For blood instructions please click here.