Faecal Pancreatic Elastase Test
Home Test: €98.50
The faecal pancreatic elastase test, or more commonly known as the stool elastase test, is used to assess the functioning of the pancreas.
The enzyme elastase is released into the small intestine to help the breakdown of food.
A Faecal Pancreatic Elastase test can be performed in the comfort of your own home with no fasting requirement. The test is suitable for both adults and children.
✔ Suitable for both adults and children
✔ Performed in the comfort of your own home
✔ Simple, easy and quick to perform
✔ Non-invasive
✔ Small sample required for analysis
✔ Samples analysed by a fully accredited Irish medical laboratory
✔ Samples are posted directly back to the laboratory in a prepaid package that fits through a standard postbox
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER €120
BUY ANY 3 TESTS GET 5% OFF
Discount automatically applied at Checkout
SYMPTOMS OF PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY
The faecal pancreatic elastase test, or more commonly known as the stool elastase test, is used to access the functioning of the pancreas. This particular test detects the levels of the enzyme “elastase” in the stool.
The exocrine part of the pancreas produces the elastase enzyme. This enzyme is released into the small intestine to help the breakdown of macromolecules of food e.g. proteins
Elastase passes down the digestive tract and is eliminated via the faeces. Normal levels of elastase in the stool indicate an optimally working pancreas. However, abnormal values of elastase point towards a pancreatic abnormality.
There are a number of conditions that can lead to disruptions in the stool elastase levels including:
Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
As the name indicates, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition characterised by the underperformance of the pancreas (in terms of producing enzymes). The lower than normal level of the digestive enzyme by the pancreas hinders the process of digestion and therefore, malabsorption ensues.
Pancreatic damage may be the outcome of blockage of pancreatic ducts, recurrent inflammation of the pancreas, previous pancreatic surgery, etc. Patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, are at great risk of developing EPI. It can also be linked to pancreatic cancer.
Faecal Pancreatic elastase level is a marker for pancreatic insufficiency.
The reference values of pancreatic elastase test are:
Normal Level
Pancreatic elastase values greater than 200µg/g are considered normal and indicate a healthy pancreas.
Moderately High Levels
A value of 100-200µg/g is considered moderate pancreatic insufficiency.
Very High Levels
If the results show elastase values to be below 100µg/g, severe pancreatic insufficiency is expected.
A stool sample container is used to collect the stool in the comfort of your own home. The sample should be kept uncontaminated with urine or water and transported promptly to the lab as per the instructions in the testing kit.
TEST DETAILS
Testing Age: Adults & Children
Referral: No referral required
Results: Approx 10 working days
Testing Kit Fee: €98.50
HOME TEST KIT CONTENTS
✔ 1 x Test Instructions Book
✔ 1 x Test Request Form
✔ 1 x Prepaid Postage box
✔ 1 x Biohazard Bag
✔ 1 x Absorbent Pad
✔ 1 x Blue Security Seal Sticker
✔ 1 x Container
✔ 1 x Scoop
✔ 1 x Collection Mat
TERMS & CONDITIONS
It is assumed that the details provided at the time of purchase (Name & Address) are that of the patient. If this is not the case and the test is being purchased for a family member etc, please notify us immediately after purchase with the patient details.
Please review the Terms and Conditions prior to placing your order. This can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
