Sign in →

Test Code LCTF Lactoferrin, Feces


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, F

Specimen Type

Fecal

Specimen Minimum Volume

1 g

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Fecal Frozen (preferred) 7 days
  Ambient  72 hours
  Refrigerated  72 hours

Reference Values

≤4.4 mcg/g (Normal)

>4.4 mcg/g (Abnormal)

Reference values apply to all ages.

Interpretation

Lactoferrin concentrations at or below 4.4 mcg/g are not suggestive of an active inflammatory process within the gastrointestinal system. For patients experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, consider further evaluation for functional gastrointestinal disorders.

 

Fecal lactoferrin concentrations above 4.4 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.

Clinical Reference

1. Kell DB, Heyden EL, Pretorius E. The biology of lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein that can help defend against viruses and bacteria. Front Immunol. 2020;11:1221

2. Liu N, Feng G, Zhang X, et al. The functional role of lactoferrin in intestine mucosal immune system and inflammatory bowel disease. Front Nutr. 2021;8:759507

3. Cao X, Ren Y, Lu Q, et al. Lactoferrin: A glycoprotein that plays an active role in human health. Front Nutr. 2023;9:1018336

4. LACTOFERRIN SCAN. Package insert. TechLab; RMS #91-351-02-TL, 07/2021

5. Singh S, Ananthakrishnan AN, Nguyen NH, et al. AGA Clinical Practice Guideline on the role of biomarkers for the management of ulcerative colitis. Gastroenterology. 2023;164(3):344-372

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday

Report Available

3 to 8 days

Performing 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