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Test Code MALP Malabsorption Evaluation Panel, Feces


Specimen Required


Supplies: Malabsorption Panel (T920)

Container/Tube: Malabsorption kit or 2 small stool containers

Specimen Volume: 18 g split between 2 containers, each containing half of the specimen

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect a fresh, random fecal specimen, no preservative.

2. Split specimen between 2 small containers, each containing half of the specimen.

3. Label one small container with the A1AF and UREDF sample collection labels. Label the other small container with the CALPR, ELASF sample collection label.

4. Freeze immediately

Additional Information:

1. Specimen must be split prior to transport.

2. Testing cannot be added to a previously collected specimen.

3. Specimen cannot be collected from a diaper.


Useful For

Evaluation of patients with suspected malabsorption, as suggested by chronic diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or nutritional deficiencies

 

Differentiation between causes of malabsorption, specifically inflammatory conditions, pancreatic insufficiency, and osmotic diarrhea

 

Detection of protein-losing enteropathy that may be associated with an underlying malabsorption

Profile Information

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
A1AF Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Random, F Yes Yes
CALPR Calprotectin, F Yes Yes
ELASF Pancreatic Elastase, F Yes Yes
UREDF Reducing Substance, F Yes Yes

Method Name

A1AF: Nephelometry

CALPR, ELASF: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

UREDF: Benedict’s Copper Reduction Reaction

Reporting Name

Malabsorption Evaluation Panel, F

Specimen Type

Fecal

Specimen Minimum Volume

5 g

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Fecal Frozen 7 days

Reject Due To

Urine and feces mixed
Specimens collected from diapers
Feces collected in any preservative or fixative
Reject

Reference Values

ALPHA-1-ANTITRYPSIN, RANDOM:

≤54 mg/dL

 

CALPROTECTIN:

<50.0 mcg/g (Normal)

50.0-120 mcg/g (Borderline)

>120 mcg/g (Abnormal)

Reference values apply to all ages.

 

PANCREATIC ELASTASE:

<100 mcg/g (Severe pancreatic insufficiency)

100-200 mcg/g (Moderate pancreatic insufficiency)

>200 mcg/g (Normal)

Reference values apply to all ages.

 

REDUCING SUBSTANCE:

Negative or trace

Interpretation

Calprotectin concentrations above 120 mcg/g are suggestive of an active inflammatory process within the gastrointestinal system; additional diagnostic testing to determine the etiology of the inflammation is suggested.

 

Calprotectin concentrations between 50.0 and 120 mcg/g are borderline and may represent a mild inflammatory process; for patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of an inflammatory process, retesting in 4 to 6 weeks may be indicated.

 

Pancreatic elastase concentrations below 100 mcg/g are consistent with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; pancreatic elastase concentrations from 100 to 200 mcg/g are suggestive for moderate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

 

Reducing substance concentrations above 0.50 g/dL are consistent with grade 2 to 4 osmotic diarrhea; reducing substance concentrations from 0.25 to 0.50 g/dL are consistent with grade 1 osmotic diarrhea.

 

Alpha-1-antitrypsin concentrations above 100 mg/dL are consistent with protein-losing enteropathy

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

4 to 6 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

0430U

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
MALP Malabsorption Evaluation Panel, F 101803-5

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
ELASF Pancreatic Elastase, F 25907-7
6215 Reducing Substance, F 11060-1
AAT_F Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Random, F 9407-8
CALPR Calprotectin, F 38445-3

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen.