Fatty Acid Oxidation

Also known as: FAO, fatty acid oxidation defects panel, FAO defects panel.

What is fatty acid oxidation?

Fatty acid oxidation is a basic metabolic process that allows the body to break down stored fat into their building blocks called fatty acids, in order use them for energy. Fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAOD’s) are a rare group of inherited genetic conditions, each one caused by an abnormal gene, which results in the body not being able to use its fatty acids for energy. When the fatty acids cannot be used they build up in the heart, liver and other organs. Children with FAOD’s may present with drowsiness, vomiting, poor feeding and other signs and symptoms.

 

What happens during the procedure?

Blood is drawn from a vein which is sent to a laboratory for testing.
 

Is any special preparation needed? 

In most cases, no special preparation is needed for the test.
 

What are the risk factors?

Pain, bleeding, infection and damage to surrounding organs and tissues.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: January 18, 2022 07:23 PM