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
Method Name
Dumas Combustion
Reporting Name
Nitrogen, Total, FSpecimen 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.
Supplies: Stool Containers - 24, 48, 72 Hours Kit (T291)
Container/Tube: Stool container (T291); complies with shipping requirements, do not use other containers.
Specimen Volume: Entire collection (24, 48, 72, or 96 hour)
Collection Instructions:
1. Entire collection must be submitted which should contain at least 5g to 10 g of feces.
2. See Stool Collection Information Sheet in Special Instructions
Additional Information: Barium and boric acid interfere with test procedure.
Specimen Minimum Volume
2.5 g
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Fecal | Frozen (preferred) | ||
Ambient | 7 days | ||
Refrigerated | 7 days |
Reference Values
<16 years: not established
≥16 years: 1-2 g/24 hours
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Tuesday, Friday; 11 a.m.
Performing Laboratory

CPT Code Information
84999
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
NITF | Nitrogen, Total, F | 16141-4 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
17417 | Nitrogen, Total, F | 16141-4 |
DUR9 | Collection Duration | 13363-7 |
17416 | Total Weight | 30078-0 |