Fecal Elastase Test - Book at an Affordable Cost

It measures the elastase content in the stool.

Elastase

It is an enzyme produced by the exocrine tissue of the pancreas. It belongs to the class proteases. It helps in the breakdown of proteins.

Fecal elastase test

Other enzymes do not break down the enzyme elastase in the body, so it is passed out as such in stools.

In a healthy person, elastase is passed in the stools; if there is less or no elastase passed in the stool, it indicates that the enzyme is not working correctly. It is referred to as pancreatic insufficiency, leading to various health problems. It includes health diseases that affect the digestion of food, such as malabsorption and malnutrition.

Malabsorption

It is defined as a digestive disorder leading to the inability to absorb nutrients from ingested food.

Pancreatic insufficiency

It is a condition when the exocrine tissue of the pancreas does not produce a sufficient elastase enzyme.

Symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency

• Stomachache
• Abdominal cramps
• Foul smelly stools
• Weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Malabsorption
• Delay in growth and development in children.

Effects of pancreatic insufficiency

It often leads to pancreatitis in adults, which can be chronic pancreatitis (long-lasting) or acute pancreatitis (short-term).

Pancreatitis

It is defined as inflammation of pancreatic tissue.

In children, it is associated with cystic fibrosis and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome.

Cystic fibrosis

It is an inherited disorder that affects mucus and sweat glands that results in lung infections due to the clogging of mucus.

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome- it is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that results in bone marrow failure.

Use of Stool Elastase test

It is used to assess whether there is pancreatic insufficiency or not.

Sample collection procedure

• Firstly, wear rubber or latex gloves.
• Collect sample
• Store samples in the given container.
• The sample should not be mixed with urine, or water: seal and lathe specimen means.
• Send the sample for testing. Preparations required before the test:
• Pancreatic supplements should be stopped five days before the test if taking supplements.

The risk associated with the test

There is no risk associated with the fecal elastase test.

Interpretation of test results

If there is a low amount of elastase in stool, it indicates pancreatic insufficiency.

Pancreatic elastase value

Pancreatic elastase concentration above 200 mcg/g is considered usual.

Range between 100- 200 shows moderate pancreatic insufficiency.