Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids Blood Test
An Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids Blood Test is useful in measuring the essential fatty acids.
Also Known As:
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs); EPA; Omega-3 Index; Omega-6/omega-3 Ratio
Preparation:
Fasting for 12 hours required.
Test Results:
8-12 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Walk-In Lab is prohibited from selling LabCorp tests to residents in the following states:NY, NJ, RI, MA, MD
Methodology:
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Preparation:
Fasting for 12 hours required.
Test Results:
4-6 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays. At this time, the lab is experiencing delays, which could add 8-11 days for results in addition to the average turnaround time.
Walk-In Lab is prohibited from selling Quest tests to residents in the following states:AZ, NY, NJ, RI
Omega 3 and Omega 6 are essential fatty acids that are most important to one's health, but the body needs these in the right proportion Omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are generally found in vegetable oils, seeds, and nuts. When consumed moderately, these acids can be heart healthy.
Too much omega-6 can result in increased blood pressure, blood clots that can cause a heart attack and/or stroke and can make your body retain water.
Omega-3 can decrease the risk of heart disease, inflammation, and cancer. Flaxseed, walnuts, leafy vegetables, and fish all contain omega-3.
This test is for the following:
1. Baseline and monitoring of individuals with known CVD (acute and chronic) to determine Rx and compliance.
2. Identify patients with known CVD risk with low omega-3 levels who may be candidates for supplementation/therapy.
3. Monitor patients on omega-3 supplementation/therapy to determine the efficacy of treatment.
4. Potential role in risk reduction for non-CVD outcomes-aged related macular degeneration, RA, cancer, etc. (early data).
