Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Faecal Elastase
Faecal Elastase
Faeces
| Test | Faecal Elastase |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | FELA |
| Profile | NA |
| Tube type | Faeces |
| Clinical Indication | Human pancreatic elastase 1 is a particularly resilient protein molecule that remains intact during intestinal transit. The concentration of this enzyme in faeces has been used as an indication of exocrine pancreatic function. The molecule is pancreas-specific and the concentration in faeces reflects the secretory capacity of the pancreas. |
| Specimen Type | Faeces |
| Sample type | Faeces extract |
| Minimum Volume | Single spot stool sample |
| Special Precautions | No special requirements |
| Stability | 6 days at RT or 4-8°C and for longerperiods freeze. |
| Turnaround Time | Inpatient: 7 days Outpatient/ GP: 7 days |
| Laboratory | York |
| Reference Interval | Elastase >200 µg/g No indication of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Elastase 100-199 µg/g Results consistent with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Elastase <100 µg/g Results consistent with severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency |
| Limitations | Watery stools may show falsely low elastase results due to sample dilution, results should be interpreted with caution. |
| Notes |
