GI Function Test: Faecal Elastase
Biochemistry Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
Human pancreatic elastase 1 (E1) remains undegraded during intestinal transit. Therefore its concentration in faeces reflects exocrine pancreatic function. The stool test quantifies E1 in faeces, allowing the diagnosis or exclusion of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency which can be caused by chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes mellitus, cholelithiasis (gallstones), ‘failure to thrive’, pancreatic cancer or papillary stenosis. E1 is recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology for non-invasive pancreatic function testing and results correlate with the gold standard invasive secretin-pancreozymin test and the secretin-caerulein test. The method used is the ScheBo® Pancreatic Elastase 1 Stool Test which is an ELISA method using a monoclonal antibody which only recognises human E1.
Reference Range
Normal: 200 - >500 µg E1/g faeces
Moderate to mild exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: 100 – 200 µg E1/g faeces
Severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: <100 µg E1/g faeces
Sample Requirements
Random faecal sample (any time of day, no dietary restrictions required) in a plain universal container and approximately 1 gram in weight.
NOTE: Samples grossly contaminated with blood and/or a lot of fibrous matter, hard stools, mucous samples, neonatal samples and watery stool samples are unsuitable for E1 assay.
Storage and Transport
First class post within 3 days (temperature not to exceed 30°C during transport)
Turnaround Time
7 - 10 working days
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrianturner1@nhs.net. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
Dr Joanne Marsden
T 020 3299 3856
Ms Audrey Duffy
T 020 3299 4133
