Elastase (Faecal)
Private Elastase (Faecal) test in London for £145, measuring one pancreatic function marker in stool with results in around 1 week.
Turnaround time
1 week
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Elastase (Faecal)
The Elastase (Faecal) test measures pancreatic elastase in a stool sample to assess exocrine pancreatic function.
Pancreatic elastase is a digestive enzyme produced by the pancreas and released into the small intestine.
Unlike many digestive enzymes, elastase remains relatively stable as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract, allowing its concentration in stool to provide a useful indirect marker of pancreatic enzyme production.
The test contains 1 biomarker: Elastase (Faecal).
A reduced faecal elastase result can indicate pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes for normal digestion and absorption.
This can occur with chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, advanced pancreatic disease, pancreatic surgery and selected other conditions.
Faecal elastase is not a test for acute pancreatitis and should not be interpreted in the same way as serum amylase or lipase.
Sample quality is particularly important.
Very watery stool can dilute faecal elastase and produce a falsely low concentration. A formed or semi-formed sample is therefore preferred where possible.
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy generally does not significantly interfere with the human pancreatic elastase assay.
The result should be interpreted alongside symptoms, nutritional status, imaging and other pancreatic investigations.
What Does the Elastase (Faecal) Test Check?
This test measures 1 biomarker.
Elastase (Faecal)
Measures pancreatic elastase concentration in stool. Lower concentrations can indicate reduced pancreatic exocrine enzyme production and support investigation of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
Who May Benefit From the Elastase (Faecal) Test?
This test may be useful where symptoms suggest inadequate pancreatic digestive enzyme production.
People with persistent steatorrhoea - Pale, greasy, oily or difficult-to-flush stools can occur when fat digestion is impaired.
People with unexplained weight loss - Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency can contribute to calorie and nutrient malabsorption.
People with chronic diarrhoea - Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms may prompt investigation of pancreatic as well as intestinal causes.
People with chronic pancreatitis - Repeated pancreatic inflammation can progressively reduce exocrine enzyme production.
People with pancreatic surgery - Reduced pancreatic tissue or altered anatomy can affect digestive enzyme availability.
People with cystic fibrosis - Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is common in many people with cystic fibrosis.
People with unexplained fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies - Reduced fat digestion can contribute to deficiencies of vitamins A, D, E and K.
People with persistent bloating and malabsorption symptoms - Faecal elastase may help determine whether pancreatic insufficiency is contributing.
People with a previously low faecal elastase result - Repeat testing may be appropriate where the original sample was watery or clinical findings remain uncertain.
How to Prepare
If the only available sample is extremely watery, tell the testing team because the result may require cautious interpretation or repeat testing.
Do not stop medically necessary pancreatic enzyme replacement without clinical advice.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Elastase (Faecal) Test
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency commonly presents with gastrointestinal and nutritional symptoms.
Greasy or oily stools - Poor fat digestion can produce steatorrhoea.
Pale or difficult-to-flush stools - Increased stool fat may alter stool appearance and consistency.
Persistent diarrhoea - Inadequate digestion can contribute to chronic loose stools.
Unexplained weight loss - Malabsorption may reduce calorie absorption.
Abdominal bloating - Undigested nutrients can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms.
Excessive flatulence - Poor digestion may increase fermentation within the bowel.
Vitamin deficiencies despite reasonable intake - Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency can occur when pancreatic enzyme output is reduced.
Known chronic pancreatic disease - Faecal elastase can provide information about exocrine functional impairment.
These symptoms have many possible gastrointestinal causes and do not specifically identify pancreatic insufficiency.
A low result should therefore be considered alongside clinical history and other investigations.
Severe or persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, significant unexplained weight loss or recurrent vomiting requires appropriate medical assessment.
How to Book Your Elastase (Faecal) Test
Booking your Elastase (Faecal) test with London Blood Tests is straightforward.
Choose the Elastase (Faecal)
Select the test online and review the stool collection requirements.
Select your sample collection option
Obtain the laboratory-approved faecal collection container and instructions.
Attend your appointment
Where kit collection or sample submission is required, attend the arranged location with the correctly collected specimen.
Laboratory analysis
Your stool sample is analysed for pancreatic elastase concentration.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised report is delivered securely by email.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected turnaround time for the Elastase (Faecal) test is approximately 1 week after your sample arrives at the laboratory.
Specialist analysis or repeat testing may occasionally extend reporting.
Understanding Your Results
Faecal elastase is commonly reported in micrograms per gram of stool.
A result above approximately 200 µg/g is generally considered consistent with preserved exocrine pancreatic function, although the laboratory reference range should always be used.
Results between approximately 100 and 200 µg/g can indicate reduced pancreatic function or an indeterminate range depending on the laboratory and clinical context.
Results below approximately 100 µg/g are more strongly associated with severe pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
Very watery stool can dilute the specimen and falsely lower the measured concentration.
A normal result makes clinically significant pancreatic exocrine insufficiency less likely but does not exclude every pancreatic disorder.
High faecal elastase values are generally not considered clinically significant.
Results should be interpreted alongside symptoms, nutritional markers and pancreatic imaging where indicated.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private faecal elastase testing in London - Access targeted pancreatic function assessment privately.
Non-invasive stool test - No blood draw is required.
Relevant to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency - Faecal elastase is a widely used marker of pancreatic enzyme production.
Useful in malabsorption assessment - Can help investigate steatorrhoea, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
Suitable during pancreatic enzyme replacement - The assay generally measures endogenous human elastase rather than replacement enzymes.
Specialist laboratory analysis - Samples are processed using dedicated faecal elastase methods.
Clear collection guidance - Correct stool consistency and handling improve result reliability.
Clear pricing before booking - The test costs £145.
Private Elastase (Faecal) Test in London
London Blood Tests provides the Elastase (Faecal) test in London for people requiring assessment of pancreatic exocrine function.
The test costs £145 and measures one biomarker: Elastase (Faecal).
A stool sample is collected using the appropriate laboratory container.
Results are expected in approximately 1 week and should be interpreted alongside gastrointestinal symptoms and other pancreatic investigations.