Non-esterified fatty acids blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Non-esterified fatty acids, also called free fatty acids or NEFA, are fats that have been released from stored body fat and travel in the blood attached to the protein albumin. Muscles, the heart and the liver use them as fuel, especially between meals and during exercise.

The release of fat from stores is normally switched down by insulin after eating. When the body responds less well to insulin, more fatty acids can stay in the blood. For that reason NEFA is sometimes looked at in research and specialist practice as part of a wider picture of insulin resistance and metabolic health. It is not a routine NHS test and works best alongside glucose, insulin, HbA1c and a lipid profile.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed.

Who it is for

• You are working on weight, appetite or energy and want more detail on how your body handles fat.
• You have been told you may have insulin resistance or prediabetes and would like additional context.
• You follow a low-carbohydrate, fasting or endurance regime and are curious how it affects fat release.
• Your practitioner has suggested NEFA as part of a broader metabolic assessment.

Understanding your result

NEFA levels rise naturally with fasting, stress and exercise, and fall after a meal, so the conditions under which the sample is taken make a big difference. Raised fasting levels can be seen with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high stress hormones, very low-carbohydrate diets and some thyroid conditions. Low levels are often seen shortly after eating. A single number is rarely meaningful on its own.

Your report shows the laboratory reference range. Your practitioner will read the result alongside your glucose and insulin markers, diet and lifestyle, and a result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

This test is best taken fasting. Have nothing to eat for 10 to 12 hours beforehand, so a morning appointment is easiest, and drink only water. Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise the day before, as both can change fatty acid levels. Tell us if you take medicines for diabetes, cholesterol or the thyroid, or blood thinners, and we will confirm any further preparation when you book.

NEFA is part of the metabolic section of Omnia Signature. If your main question is blood sugar, the Insulin Resistance Check (HOMA-IR) is a more established starting point. You can also see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a non-esterified fatty acids test in Chiswick?

The NEFA blood test costs £49. That includes the sample at our clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Do I need to fast?

Yes. A fasting sample of 10 to 12 hours gives the most consistent result, because eating lowers NEFA quickly.

How is NEFA different from triglycerides?

Triglycerides are fats packaged into particles for transport. NEFA are single fatty acids freed from fat stores. Both relate to how your body manages fat, but they reflect different steps.

Can this test diagnose diabetes?

No. Diabetes is diagnosed using HbA1c or glucose tests. NEFA adds context about metabolism but is not a diagnostic test.