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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

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Elastase (Pancreatic)

Pancreatic elastase testing provides a non-invasive assessment of your pancreatic digestive function. As part of a comprehensive health evaluation, it can help identify digestive concerns related to pancreatic enzyme production.

What It Measures

This test measures the concentration of pancreatic elastase in a stool sample. Because pancreatic elastase remains stable during intestinal transit and is not degraded by other digestive enzymes, it provides a reliable indicator of how well the pancreas is producing digestive enzymes.

Why It Matters

The pancreas produces essential digestive enzymes. Reduced pancreatic elastase levels may indicate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to properly digest food. Early detection can guide treatment to improve nutrient absorption and quality of life.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended if you experience chronic diarrhoea, fatty or foul-smelling stools, unexplained weight loss, or bloating after meals. It is also used in the evaluation of chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and other pancreatic disorders.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Low pancreatic elastase levels may indicate pancreatic insufficiency, which can be associated with malabsorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins, chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, bloating, and nutritional deficiencies. This may be linked to chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or other pancreatic conditions. Consult a healthcare professional for interpretation of results.

High Levels

Elevated pancreatic elastase levels in stool are not typically a clinical concern and generally indicate normal or robust pancreatic enzyme production. Consult a healthcare professional for interpretation of results.

Lifestyle Tips

If pancreatic insufficiency is identified, your healthcare professional may recommend pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and reducing dietary fat intake may help manage symptoms. Avoiding alcohol and smoking is important for pancreatic health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the stool sample collected?
A small stool sample is collected at home using a provided collection kit. The sample should be taken to the laboratory as directed. No special diet or preparation is usually required, but follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
Can pancreatic insufficiency be treated?
Yes, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is commonly managed with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), taken with meals. Your healthcare professional will determine the appropriate approach based on the severity of the insufficiency and its underlying cause.
Is low pancreatic elastase always serious?
Not necessarily. Mildly reduced levels may warrant monitoring and dietary adjustments, while significantly low levels often indicate clinically relevant pancreatic insufficiency that benefits from treatment. Your healthcare professional will guide the appropriate follow-up.