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Test ID: Pancreatic elastase (stool)
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Pancreatic elastase (stool)
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Pancreatic elastase (stool)
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Useful For
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The investigation of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
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Method name and description
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Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
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Clinical information
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Stool elastase levels are a reflection of pancreatic exocrine function. In certain conditions (chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis) there may be a loss of this function.
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Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
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Specimen type: A single random formed stool sample.
Specimen volume: > 1g, approximately pea-sized amount.
Specimen container: suitable plain clean collection container.
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Collection instructions / Special Precautions / Timing of collection
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Pancreatic enzyme supplementation therapy can be interfer with the assay.
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Relevant clinical information to be provided
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Presenting clinical signs and symptoms
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Storage and transport instructions
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Stool samples can be transported at ambiant temperature as quickly as possible.
Stool samples are stable for up to 7 days at 2 –8 °C.
Stool samples are stable for up to one year at -20 °C. The sample should not be thawed till analysis.
Samples should be transported according to their storage conditions.
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Specimen Rejection Criteria
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Watery Stool sample
Mucoid Stool sample
Sample quantity less than 1 gm.
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Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values
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Normal
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200 to > 500 µg E1/g stool
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Moderate to mild exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
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100 – 200 µg E1/g stool
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Severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
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<100 µg E1/g stool
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Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
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Turnaround Time: 10 working days.
Days and Times test performed: Once every 2 weeks.
Specimen retention time: Until patient result is released.
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