Total:€ 2.674,00
Stool Pancreatic Elastase
€ 50,00
Non-invasive stool test to assess pancreatic enzyme production and digestive capacity. Helps identify exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and malabsorption.
Your test at a glance
- Sample
- Stool
- Results from receipt
- Usually 3–10 days
- Fasting
- An overnight fast is usually not needed. Follow the kit’s food, drink and collection-timing instructions.
Timing starts when suitable samples arrive at the laboratory. Shipping time is additional. Combined panels may take longer.
WHL will send the full test instructions with your kit or appointment confirmation. Follow these before collecting.
Preparation and important notesOne charge per request. Processing and handling is charged once for the complete request, not for each test or panel. Collection and delivery charges are shown separately at checkout.
Description
Pancreatic Elastase – Stool Test
The Pancreatic Elastase Stool Test is a non-invasive marker used to assess exocrine pancreatic function and digestive capacity. It measures the level of elastase, a key digestive enzyme produced by the pancreas, in a stool sample.
This test is particularly valuable in patients with unexplained digestive symptoms, as it helps determine whether inadequate pancreatic enzyme production may be contributing to maldigestion and nutrient malabsorption.
Why this test is clinically important
Pancreatic elastase is a stable enzyme that passes through the gastrointestinal tract largely unchanged, making it a reliable indirect marker of pancreatic enzyme output. Low levels in stool may indicate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Unlike more complex or invasive pancreatic function tests, stool elastase testing provides a simple and practical way to evaluate digestive enzyme production in routine clinical practice.
- Non-invasive assessment of pancreatic function
- Helps identify digestive enzyme insufficiency
- Supports evaluation of malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies
- Useful as a first-line screening test in digestive complaints
What this test evaluates
- Pancreatic elastase (indicator of exocrine pancreatic function)
Clinical relevance
Low pancreatic elastase levels are associated with reduced digestive enzyme production, which may lead to impaired breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This can result in symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, steatorrhea, and weight loss. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The test is commonly used in the evaluation of suspected exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which may occur in conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, or after gastrointestinal surgery. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Who may benefit
- Patients with chronic bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort
- Individuals with suspected malabsorption or nutrient deficiencies
- Unexplained weight loss or fat intolerance
- Patients with known or suspected pancreatic dysfunction
- Cases where digestive capacity needs to be assessed
When this test is especially useful
- Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms without clear cause
- Suspected exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
- Follow-up of pancreatic or digestive disorders
- As part of a broader gastrointestinal or microbiome assessment
Sample Type
Stool sample collected at home using a dedicated collection kit.
Turnaround Time
Approximately 4 to 6 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory.
Related Tests
This test can be combined with broader gastrointestinal assessments for a more comprehensive evaluation:
- Includes: Pancreatic elastase level assessment
- Sample requirement: Stool
Suitable for postal submission.
Additional information
| Weight | 0,5 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 25 × 16 × 2,5 cm |
| Sample Type |
Preparing for this test
WHL will send detailed collection, storage and return instructions with your test kit or appointment confirmation. Those test-specific instructions take priority.
Sample: Stool
Fasting: An overnight fast is usually not needed. Follow the kit’s food, drink and collection-timing instructions.
Use only the supplied stool containers. Discuss antibiotics, probiotics or bowel treatments with WHL before collection; the required timing depends on the test.
Do not stop prescribed medicines or prescribed supplements without advice from your treating clinician. Tell WHL about high-dose biotin; some tests need a longer pause. A short supplement pause does not remove all effects of long-term use.
If another test in the same order requires fasting, follow the combined instructions. Ask your clinician or WHL before fasting if you have diabetes, use glucose-lowering medicine, are pregnant, or are arranging testing for a child.
When to expect your results
Usually 3–10 days. This estimate starts when suitable samples reach the laboratory, not on the order or collection date. Shipping is additional. WHL will confirm any test-specific exception; a combined panel follows its slowest component.
Practical preparation tips
If fasting is requested, drink only plain water in your usual amounts. Do not have coffee, tea, juice, milk, energy drinks, sweets or chewing gum. Avoid smoking or vaping that morning. Book an early appointment and eat after collection.
For a planned blood test, avoid alcohol and unusually strenuous exercise for 24 hours, where practical, and sit quietly for about 15 minutes before collection. Tell WHL if you could not follow the preparation instructions.
Do not extend fasting or change prescribed medication on your own. Ask your clinician first if you have diabetes, need medicine with food, are pregnant, or are arranging testing for a child. WHL’s full test-specific instructions take priority.
Sources for this general preparation guidance
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — plasma amino acids
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — vitamin B6
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — B12 and folate
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — vitamins A and E
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — iron studies
- NHS — fasting blood tests
- EAS/EFLM — fasting and non-fasting lipids
- EFLM/COLABIOCLI — preparation for blood collection
Other laboratories’ methods and preparation rules can differ. These sources support the general advice; WHL confirms the instructions for the method used for your test.