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Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry

Investigation Name:Faecal Human Pancreatic Elastase

Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189:2022 - as of 14/09/2026, on ETS

Intro:

The exocrine function of the pancreas is to synthesise, store and secrete alkaline, bicarbonate-rich fluids containing various enzymes essential for normal digestion. Loss of exocrine pancreatic function leads to maldigestion and malabsorption, and is seen in conditions such as acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis.

Faecal elastase (FE-1) is a serine-protease synthesised by the pancreatic acinar cells along with other pancreatic digestive enzymes. Under physiological conditions, its concentration in pancreatic juice accounts for approximately 6% of all secreted pancreatic enzymes. In contrast to most of the other pancreatic enzymes, FE-1 is stable during intestinal passage. Its concentration in stool is five to six times that determined in pancreatic juice, reflecting exocrine pancreatic function.

Requestable Seperately?No

Units:µg/g Stool

Expected Turnaround Time:14 days

Test Code:ELA, ELAS

Sample Type:

Random stool sample collected into a suitable container

Complex Reference Range:Normal >200 µg/g Stool
Moderate-mild exocrine pancreatic insufficiency 100 – 200 µg/g Stool
Severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency <100 µg/g Stool

Collection Conditions / Other Information:First class post at ambient temperature

Referred to Another Laboratory?No

Storage Requirements:Faecal elastase is stable in faeces at room temperature 5 days and for 1 month stored at 4°C.

Posting Address / Requirements:Ambient temperature, 1st class post.
Sandwell Health Campus,
Specialist Chemistry,
Pathology Department,
Lyndon, B71 4HJ

NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes

EQA Scheme:UK NEQAS Scheme for Faecal Pancreatic Elastase

Further information:It may take up to day 3 of life in term infants, and up to day 14 if <28 weeks gestation, to reach normal Faecal Elastase-1 levels. Repeat testing is recommended to confirm insufficiency detected before this time. Faecal Elastase-1 levels in meconium are typically low and this sample type is not recommended.

Interferences:
- Creon: 20% positive bias (daily dose of 757.5 kU/day and daily stool weight of 150 g)
- Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Omeprazole: 20% negative bias (at Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole, and Omeprazole daily doses of 229, 267, and 285 mg/day, respectively; and a daily stool weight of 150g)

Email Address For Chasing Results:dgft.biochemistry@nhs.net

Methodology:Buhlmann fPELA turbo (Abbott Alinity application)

UKAS Reference Number:8663

Site Sample Tested:Clinical Chemistry Laboratory - Russells Hall Hospital

Cost:Email : bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details

Contact Number:Tel: 01384 456 111 ex 2482