Stool Elastase
Reviewed
Also called: Pancreatic Elastase, Fecal Pancreatic Elastase, EL-1, PE-1, PE Stool
A stool elastase test measures the amount of elastase in your stool (poop).
Specimen: Stool (formed, not watery)
Why this test may be ordered
- Unexplained digestive symptoms such as greasy, foul-smelling stools, abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, or malnutrition.
- Monitoring pancreatic function in people with cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, or diabetes.
Preparation and collection
If you are taking pancreatic enzyme supplements, you may need to stop taking them for five days before the test. Don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.
You will need to provide a stool sample for your test. The stool must be formed, not watery. There are different ways to collect stool samples, so follow the instructions carefully.
There is no known risk to having a stool elastase test.
Understanding results
Your stool elastase test results will tell you how much elastase was in your stool sample.
- Normal amount of elastase: A normal amount of elastase means that you may not have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Limitation: But a normal test result doesn't rule out EPI. Next step: If you were tested because you have symptoms, you may need other tests to find out what's causing them.
- Less than normal amount of elastase (moderate or severe pancreatic insufficiency): A less than normal amount of elastase may mean that you have EPI. Limitation: Test results that aren't normal may be described as either "moderate" or "severe pancreatic insufficiency." Next step: Your provider will probably order other tests to confirm EPI and the cause.
- The test is more sensitive for severe EPI than for mild or moderate cases.
- A normal result does not completely rule out EPI.
- Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional; no reference interval or units are provided in the source.
What to do next
Your provider will probably order other tests to confirm EPI and the cause. If you have questions about your results, talk with your provider.
- What do my stool elastase results mean for my pancreatic function?
- Do I need additional tests to confirm or rule out EPI?
- Should I stop or adjust my pancreatic enzyme supplements before future tests?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.