Fecal elastase refers to the testing of the concentration of the pancreatic elastase-1 enzyme found in fecal matter with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results of this test can give a good indication of exocrine pancreatic status and is less invasive and expensive that the current “gold standard”, secretin-cholecystokinin test.¹ Levels of fecal elastase lower than 200 μg / g of stool indicate an exocrine insufficiency. Correlations between low levels and chronic pancreatitis² and cancer³ have been reported.

References

1. Molinari, I., et al., Fecal chymotrypsin and elastase-1 determination on one single stool collected at random: diagnostic value for exocrine pancreatic status. Clin Biochem, 2004. 37(9): p. 758-763. PMID 15329313
2. Fecal Elastase 1 ELISA For Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: Comparison With ERCP-Morphology And Fecal Fat Excretion [1]
3. Role of Fecal Elastase 1 in Pancreatic Cancer: A Pilot Study [2]