Faecal Elastase Stool Test | Pancreas Function
Uncover whether your pancreas is digesting food properly.
This test measures the level of faecal elastase, an enzyme produced by the pancreas that is essential for breaking down fats and proteins in your food. It is used to assess exocrine pancreatic function, helping to identify conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic duct obstruction that can lead to maldigestion and malabsorption. The test is particularly useful for patients experiencing persistent diarrhoea, steatorrhoea (fatty stools), unexplained weight loss, or abdominal discomfort, and for monitoring known pancreatic disorders.
Pancreatic Function
- Faecal elastase: A digestive enzyme whose presence in stool reflects the pancreas's ability to produce and secrete sufficient enzymes for normal digestion.
Why it matters
A low faecal elastase result can indicate pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes. Recognising PEI is important because it can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins. Early detection allows for appropriate management, such as enzyme replacement therapy and dietary support, which can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.
Pancreatic Function
- Faecal elastase
No special preparation required.
For blood tests, we recommend drinking plenty of water beforehand to ensure smooth sample collection. If you are taking any regular medication, continue to do so unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Important Clinical Information:
This test is a screening tool to monitor and support your overall health. It does not replace your GP or consultant.
Always discuss your test results, especially any abnormal results, with your GP, who can interpret them in the context of your medical history and overall health.
- Label the container with your name, date of birth and the date of collection.
- Catch the stool before it touches the toilet water. You can use a clean potty, a clean plastic food tub, or cling film stretched over the toilet bowl. The surface must be free of soap or disinfectant.
- Make sure no urine, water or toilet paper mixes with the sample.
- Use the spoon attached to the lid to put a walnut-sized amount (about half a spoonful) into the container.
- Close the lid tightly, wipe the outside, and put the container in the specimen bag.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
As soon as possible, as fresh samples give the most accurate results. If you cannot bring it in straight away, keep it in the fridge, sealed in the specimen bag, for no longer than 24 hours.
Some tests, such as those for parasites or hidden blood, are more reliable with 3 samples collected on different days. We will tell you if your test needs this.
Do not collect a sample while any of the following apply:
- You are having your period
- You have bleeding haemorrhoids (piles)
- You have had recent dental work that caused bleeding
- You are using rectal medicines
Wait until these have stopped. Tell our staff about any medicines you take.
Collect your sample while your symptoms are present. Do not collect during your period, if you have bleeding haemorrhoids, or if there is blood in your urine.