Stool Elastase
Reviewed
Also called: Pancreatic Elastase, Fecal Pancreatic Elastase, EL-1, PE-1, PE Stool
Measures the amount of elastase in stool to help evaluate pancreatic function and diagnose exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
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 take pancreatic enzyme supplements, you may need to stop them for 5 days before the test. Do not stop any medicine unless your provider tells you to.
Collect a formed stool sample (not watery) using the container provided. Avoid mixing with urine, toilet paper, or toilet water. For infants, use plastic wrap inside a clean diaper. Label the container with your name, date, and time. Refrigerate or freeze the sample if instructed, and return it promptly.
According to MedlinePlus, there is no known risk to having a stool elastase test.
Understanding results
Your stool elastase test result shows the amount of elastase in your stool. Interpretation should be discussed with your healthcare provider, as the test is better at detecting severe EPI than mild or moderate cases. A normal result does not completely rule out EPI.
- Normal: A normal amount of elastase suggests that exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is less likely, but it does not completely rule out EPI. If you have symptoms, your provider may recommend other tests to find the cause. Limitation: This test is better at finding severe EPI than mild or moderate cases. A normal result does not guarantee normal pancreatic function. Next step: Routine
- Low: A less than normal amount of elastase may indicate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Results may be described as moderate or severe pancreatic insufficiency. Limitation: This test is better at detecting severe EPI. A low result does not diagnose the underlying cause; further testing is needed to confirm EPI and identify the cause. Next step: Prompt
- 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
If your result is low, your provider will likely order additional tests to confirm EPI and determine the cause. If you have symptoms and a normal result, other causes may be investigated.
- 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?