OVERVIEW
What is elastase enzyme?
Elastase enzyme is made by special tissue in pancreas (an organ in the upper abdomen). It helps breakdown protein, fats & carbohydrates after you eat. It is an important part of the digestive process.
What is pancreatic elastase-1 (stool) lab test?
Normally the elastase enzyme is excreted in stool when pancreas is healthy. In case of pancreatic insufficiency, little or no elastase enzyme is found in stool. Pancreatic insufficiency occurs in case of malabsorption , malnutrition & other problems which affect ability to digest & take nutrients from food. Pancreatic insufficiency in adults is due to chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas). This test is therefore used to check/diagnose pancreatic insufficiency by looking for elastase enzyme in stool.
Why is pancreatic elastase-1 (stool) lab test done?
The test is done:
- As it helps diagnose pancreatic insufficiency which in turn helps diagnose its underlying health condition.
- When person shows symptoms like abdominal pain, smelly/greasy stool, malabsorption/malnutrition, & unintentional weight loss.
- As it helps in evaluation of pancreatic insufficiency.
- As it helps in detecting the signs of pancreatic insufficiency which can be caused by cystic fibrosis (inherited disease), Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (rare/inherited disease), or pancreatic cancer in some cases.
- How should stool be collected for pancreatic elastase?
It should be collected in toilet paper or clean container like disposable plate free of any urine.
- Is high pancreatic elastase normal?
A very high level of elastase is a sign of pancreatic problem.
- Is pancreatic insufficiency considered a serious problem?
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is rare but a very serious digestive disorder. This happens in case of inability of pancreas to produce significant digestive enzymes
- What is the accuracy of faecal elastase test?
Its diagnostic accuracy is 92% for fecal EL-1 (elastase-1).
- How does EPI stool look like?
When undigested fat is excreted in stools, it causes oily/greasy & foul-smelling stool which is medically called steatorrhea.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
Ranges of elastase enzyme in stool include:
- > 200 microgram elastase/gram of fecal material: The person is normal & has healthy pancreas.
- 100 to 200 microgram elastase/g of fecal material: Indicates moderate pancreatic insufficiency
- <100 microgram elastase/g of fecal material: Indicates severe pancreatic insufficiency
You get tested for diagnosis or evaluation of pancreatic insufficiency.