Faecal Elastase

Code:
ELAST

Sample Type:

Faeces (Blue Topped Faeces Container)

Ref Ranges/Units:

>200 μg/g – normal exocrine pancreatic function

100-200 μg/g – moderate pancreatic insufficiency

<100 μg/g – severe pancreatic insufficiency

Turnaround:

Within 1-2 weeks

Special Precautions/Comments:

Must be a fresh sample and must have solid material for analysis. 

Additional Information:

Elastase is an enzyme specifically produced by the pancreas. Elastase is not degraded in the intestine and is normally present in faeces. Faecal elastase is therefore a useful marker of exocrine pancreatic function. 

Reduced levels of faecal elastase can indicate pancreatic insufficiency, which may be seen in conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis and in pancreato-biliary tumours.  

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