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HelpTest Code LCTFSO Lactoferrin, Feces
Additional Codes
Mayo Test Code: LCTF
Shipping Instructions
Preferred shipping temperature is frozen. Refrigerated or thawed specimens received more than 72 hours after collection will be rejected.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Stool container, Small (Random), 4 oz (T288)
Container/Tube: Stool container
Specimen Volume: 5 g
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect a fresh random fecal specimen, no preservatives.
2. If specimen is sent refrigerate, send immediately after collection.
3. If specimen cannot be sent immediately, freeze specimen and send frozen.
Additional Information:
1. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered, with the exception of ELASF / Pancreatic Elastase, Feces and CALPR / Calprotectin, Feces. If only a single specimen is collected, it must be split prior to transport.
2. Testing cannot be added on to a previously collected specimen.
Useful For
Evaluating patients suspected of having a gastrointestinal inflammatory process
Distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome, when used in conjunction with other diagnostic modalities, including endoscopy, histology, and imaging
Method Name
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Reporting Name
Lactoferrin, FSpecimen Type
FecalSpecimen Minimum Volume
1 g
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fecal | Frozen (preferred) | 7 days |
| Ambient | 72 hours | |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
| Specimens collected from diapers | Reject |
Reference Values
≤4.4 mcg/g (Normal)
>4.4 mcg/g (Abnormal)
Reference values apply to all ages.
Cautions
Elevations in fecal lactoferrin are not diagnostic for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and normal fecal lactoferrin concentrations do not exclude the possibility of IBD. Diagnosis of IBD should be based on clinical evaluation, endoscopy, histology, and imaging studies.
Elevations in fecal lactoferrin may be observed in other disease states associated with neutrophilic inflammation of the gastrointestinal system, including celiac disease, colorectal cancer, and gastrointestinal infections.
Falsely decreased concentrations of fecal lactoferrin may be observed in patients with neutropenia or granulocytopenia.
Due to the lack of homogenous distribution of lactoferrin in fecal material, variability in results may be seen when patients are monitored over time, particularly in samples with high lactoferrin concentrations.
Bovine lactoferrin (found in dairy products) has a different molecular structure from human lactoferrin and is not detected in this assay. However, nursing infants and those taking human lactoferrin supplements may risk false-positive results.(5)
Day(s) Performed
Thursday
Report Available
3 to 8 daysSpecimen Retention Time
Extracted feces: 7 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83631
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| LCTF | Lactoferrin, F | In Process |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| LCTF | Lactoferrin, F | In Process |
Testing Algorithm
For information see Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnostic Testing Algorithm.