Test ID NITF Nitrogen, Total, Feces
Useful For
Determining nitrogen balance, when used in conjunction with 24-hour urine nitrogen measurement
Assessing nutritional status (protein malnutrition)
Evaluating protein catabolism
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
FecalShipping Instructions
Send entire stool collection (must contain at least 5 g of feces) frozen on dry ice in Mayo Clinic Laboratories-approved container.
Necessary Information
Length of collection period is required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Laxatives and enemas should not be used during collection as barium and boric acid interfere with test procedure.
Supplies: Stool Containers - 24, 48, 72 Hour Kit (T291)
Container/Tube: Stool container; complies with shipping requirements, do not use other containers.
Specimen Volume: Entire collection (24, 48, 72, or 96 hours)
Collection Instructions:
1. All containers must be sent together.
2. Entire collection must contain at least 5 g of feces.
3. The number of containers sent should be indicated on the labels (ie, 1 of 4)
Specimen Stability Information: Frozen 3 years
Additional Information: Patient can store sample at refrigerate temperature during collection period.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fecal | Frozen (preferred) | |
| Ambient | 7 days | |
| Refrigerated | 7 days | |
Reference Values
<16 years: Not established
≥16 years: 1-2 g/24 hours
CPT Code Information
84999
Reject Due To
| Urine and stool mixed | Reject |
Secondary ID
607704Day(s) Performed
Friday