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Pancreatic Elastase
Pancreas
Report in 192Hrs
At Home
No Fasting Required
Details
Stool enzyme test.
₹7,252₹10,360
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Pancreatic Elastase Test Information Guide
- Why is it done?
- The pancreatic elastase test measures the concentration of elastase-1, an enzyme produced by the pancreas, in a stool sample to assess pancreatic digestive function
- Diagnose pancreatic insufficiency or malabsorption issues by evaluating the pancreas's ability to produce digestive enzymes
- Investigate chronic diarrhea, steatorrhea (fatty stools), weight loss, and abdominal pain of unclear etiology
- Monitor patients with chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic cancer for pancreatic enzyme deficiency
- Evaluate symptoms suggestive of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency including bloating, gas, and nutritional deficiencies
- Screen for pancreatic disorders in patients with diabetes, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Normal Range
- Normal Range: >200 μg/g (micrograms per gram of stool) indicates normal pancreatic function
- Borderline/Low-Normal: 100-200 μg/g suggests possible mild pancreatic insufficiency; clinical correlation is needed
- Low: <200 μg/g (especially <100 μg/g) indicates reduced pancreatic enzyme secretion and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Units of Measurement: μg/g (micrograms per gram of stool)
- Interpretation: Normal elastase levels indicate adequate pancreatic enzyme production and normal digestive function. Low levels suggest the pancreas is not producing sufficient elastase enzyme, leading to impaired digestion and nutrient absorption
- Interpretation
- Results >200 μg/g: Normal pancreatic function; pancreas is adequately producing digestive enzymes; typically rules out significant exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Results 100-200 μg/g: Borderline result; mild pancreatic insufficiency possible; consider repeat testing and clinical presentation; may warrant further evaluation depending on symptoms
- Results <100 μg/g: Significant pancreatic insufficiency; severely reduced enzyme production; suggests substantial impairment of pancreatic function; indicates need for enzyme replacement therapy consideration
- Factors Affecting Results: Sample quality and proper collection are critical; improper stool sampling can lead to false results; recent antibiotic use may affect results; testing cannot be reliably performed on samples that are too dilute or contaminated
- Clinical Significance: Low elastase is sensitive and specific for detecting exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; particularly useful for differentiating pancreatic causes of malabsorption from other gastrointestinal disorders; helps guide treatment decisions including pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy; more reliable than 72-hour fecal fat testing
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ System: The pancreas (exocrine portion that produces digestive enzymes)
- Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results:
- Chronic pancreatitis from alcohol abuse, genetic mutations, or autoimmune conditions
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) - genetic disorder causing thick secretions that damage pancreatic ducts
- Pancreatic cancer or pancreatic tumors that obstruct enzyme flow
- Pancreatic atrophy from aging or severe malnutrition
- Acute or recurrent pancreatitis with subsequent gland damage
- Hemochromatosis or other iron metabolism disorders affecting pancreas
- Post-surgical pancreatic resection or transplant
- Potential Complications Associated with Low Elastase:
- Malabsorption of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates leading to nutritional deficiencies
- Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K) with related complications
- Failure to thrive in children; growth impairment
- Weight loss and muscle wasting
- Chronic diarrhea and steatorrhea affecting quality of life
- Diabetes development if endocrine pancreatic function is also impaired
- Follow-up Tests
- If Pancreatic Elastase is Low:
- Fecal chymotrypsin test to further assess pancreatic enzyme production
- 72-hour fecal fat test to confirm steatorrhea and degree of fat malabsorption
- Secretin stimulation test (gold standard) to assess pancreatic secretory capacity
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to visualize pancreatic structure and identify chronic pancreatitis changes
- MRI or MRCP to assess pancreatic ductal system and identify obstruction or structural abnormalities
- CT imaging to evaluate for pancreatic atrophy, fibrosis, or masses
- Blood tests: serum amylase, lipase, glucose, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
- Genetic testing if cystic fibrosis is suspected
- Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) or anti-endomysial antibodies to rule out celiac disease
- Complementary Testing:
- Assessment of liver function tests and bilirubin if pancreatic cancer is being considered
- Glucose tolerance test (GTT) or HbA1c to screen for diabetes mellitus
- Albumin and prealbumin levels to assess nutritional status
- Prothrombin time (PT/INR) to assess vitamin K status
- Monitoring Frequency:
- Depends on diagnosis and clinical course; typically every 6-12 months for chronic pancreatitis patients to monitor disease progression
- Cystic fibrosis patients require regular monitoring as part of comprehensive care
- Post-enzyme replacement therapy initiation, clinical improvement and symptom response should be monitored
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: No
- Pancreatic elastase testing does not require fasting; this is a stool-based test and dietary status does not affect the results
- Special Instructions:
- Collect a fresh stool sample directly into the sterile container provided by the laboratory; avoid contamination with urine or toilet paper
- The sample must not be diluted; ensure sufficient volume (typically 1-2 grams or several tablespoons) is collected
- Transport the sample to the laboratory within 24 hours; refrigerate if transport will be delayed
- Medications/Factors to Consider:
- Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) should ideally be stopped 2-5 days before the test to avoid false-normal results
- Recent antibiotic use (especially broad-spectrum antibiotics within the past 2 weeks) may affect results
- Do not collect sample if patient is experiencing acute diarrhea or the stool is watery; collect when stool is more formed
- Laxative use should be discussed with healthcare provider; some sources recommend avoiding laxatives for 72 hours prior to collection
- Patient Preparation:
- Patients should receive clear written instructions on proper sample collection technique to ensure test accuracy
- Inform the laboratory if any special collection instructions need to be followed or if questions arise during sample collection
How our test process works!
