Faecal elastase

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Human pancreatic elastase 1 is a particularly resilient protein molecule that remains intact during intestinal transit. 

 

Clinical indications:

• The concentration of this enzyme in faeces has been used as an indication of exocrine pancreatic function. The molecule is pancreas-specific and the concentration in faeces reflects the secretory capacity of the pancreas. 

 

Specimen type: 

• Faeces

 

Sample type: 

• Faeces extract

 

Turnaround time: 

• Inpatient: 7 days 
• Outpatient: 7 days  
• GP: 7 days  

Reference interval: 

(Quoted by the manufacturer)

• Normal: 200 ->500µg/g stool 
• Moderate to mild exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: 100-200µg/g stool 
• Severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: <100µg/g stool 

 

Limitations:

• Watery stools may show falsely low elastase results due to sample dilution, results should be interpreted with caution. 
• Patients < 4weeks of age with a low result should provide a repeat sample when the patient is > 4 weeks old.