Faecal Elastase Test | Pancreatic Function

Overview:

Assess pancreatic enzyme output with a clinic-based faecal elastase test.

Our Faecal Elastase Test measures faecal elastase in your stool. Faecal elastase is a marker linked to pancreatic enzyme production, which plays an important role in digesting food.

This faecal elastase test may help support the investigation of symptoms linked to poor digestion, malabsorption, or reduced pancreatic enzyme output.

Low faecal elastase levels may suggest that the pancreas is not producing enough digestive enzymes. This test does not diagnose a pancreatic condition on its own, and results should be interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history, and advice from a healthcare professional.

👉 Book your faecal elastase test today and take a proactive step towards understanding your digestive health.

What Is a Faecal Elastase Test?

A faecal elastase test checks a stool sample for faecal elastase, an enzyme marker linked to pancreatic function. Elastase remains relatively stable as it passes through the digestive tract, making it useful for assessing pancreatic enzyme output through a stool sample.

The test may help identify markers linked to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, where the pancreas may not release enough enzymes to digest food properly.

A low result can indicate reduced pancreatic enzyme production, but it does not confirm the cause. Further assessment may be needed depending on your result and symptoms.

Who Is This Test For?

This faecal elastase test may be suitable for people with symptoms that could be linked to poor digestion or malabsorption, such as:

• Frequent loose, pale, greasy, or difficult-to-flush stools.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Bloating or abdominal discomfort after eating.
• Excess wind or digestive discomfort.
• Ongoing diarrhoea.
• Signs of nutrient malabsorption.
• Known pancreatic disease or a history of pancreatitis.
• Ongoing concerns about pancreatic function.
• Preference for a clinic-based stool test service.

Red Flags: When to Seek Medical Attention

Please seek prompt medical advice if your symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or associated with any of the following:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain.
• Significant unintended weight loss.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Blood in stool or black, tar-like stools.
• Fever or signs of dehydration.
• New symptoms that are causing concern.

A faecal elastase test should not delay medical care if you have worrying symptoms.

What This Test Includes:

Sample needed:

Why Choose the Faecal Elastase Test?

• Checks pancreatic enzyme output: Measures faecal elastase, a stool marker linked to pancreatic digestive enzyme production.
• Supports malabsorption assessment: May help investigate symptoms such as greasy stools, diarrhoea, bloating, and unexplained weight loss.
• Useful for EPI assessment: Can support investigation of possible exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
• Clinic-based option: Ideal if you prefer to arrange your test through an in-clinic service.
• Non-invasive: Requires a stool sample only, with no blood draw needed.
• No fasting required: You do not need to fast before this test.
• Clear, easy-to-understand results: Your report explains your result and outlines appropriate next steps.

Results:

• Availability: 3 working days
• Presentation: Your results will be presented in an easy-to-understand format, highlighting whether your faecal elastase level is within range or reduced. Your report will include guidance on appropriate next steps, which may include seeking medical advice.
• Discuss with a doctor: After receiving your results, you may choose to discuss them with a GP who can advise whether further assessment or investigation may be appropriate. Additional fees may apply.

Preparation Required:

• Fasting: Fasting is not required for this test.
• Medications: Continue to take any prescribed medications as usual, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
• Sample collection: Follow the instructions carefully to avoid contamination and ensure your sample is suitable for testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take Control of Your Digestive Health Today

Symptoms such as greasy stools, bloating, diarrhoea, and unexplained weight loss can be difficult to understand. A faecal elastase test offers a simple way to check a marker linked to pancreatic enzyme output and digestive function.

👉 Book your faecal elastase test today.
👉 Get clear results and guidance on your next steps.

1. Purchase your test(s) online making sure to give the name and date of birth of the person(s) taking the test. These details are required by the lab to uniquely identify your sample.
2. You will get a confirmation email from us.
3. We will process your order within an hour; Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
4. Then, look out for the booking link email from our partner laboratory, Randox Health.
5. Click on the link to book an appointment for your test.
6. Attend to do your test.
7. Results are emailed to you.

All laboratories need information regarding the client to uniquely identify their test sample.

Without these details, tests cannot be processed.

The minimum requirement is the full name, biological sex and date of birth.

You should enter these details securely at the top before you click 'Add to cart'.

We ask for your Biological Sex because NORMAL RANGES for some tests are different for men and women.