Faecal Elastase Test of Pancreatic Enzyme Function

Order a Faecal Elastase Test to check the enzyme function of your pancreas.

With our easy at home stool kit, you'll have your faecal elastase levels in days, tested in an accredited lab and reviewed by a doctor.

Comes with our

  • Results and doctor's report in 8 days or less
  • Free, next-working day delivery
  • Measures faecal elastase enzyme

£49.00

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Dr Claire Merrifield

Dr Claire Merrifield

GP, PhD and our Medical Director

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What you need to know about our Faecal Elastase Test of Pancreatic Enzyme Function

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Dr Claire Merrifield

Dr Claire Merrifield

GP, PhD and our Medical Director

Your pancreas is essential to gut health as it releases several enzymes into your bowel to digest carbohydrate, fat and protein. If your pancreas isn't releasing these enzymes you can struggle with chronic diarrhoea and weight loss, with pale, loose, fatty stools that float. This is called "panreactic exocrine insufficiency" or "PEI".

It's simple to check for pancreatic enzyme problems with our faecal elastase test.

Pancreatic enzyme problems are not common if you're otherwise in good health. However, there are certain groups who are at higher risk of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency:

  • People who have had acute or chronic pancreatis
  • Type 1 and 2 diabetics
  • People with a history of high alcohol intake
  • Smokers
  • People over 70 years of age

What does our Faecal Elastase Test check for and why?

Your pancreas releases enzymes that help you digest your food. We can check the ability of your pancreas to release these enzymes by measuring the levels of elastase in your stool.

Elastase is an enzyme released into your gut by the pancreas and is therefore a marker of how well the pancreas is able to release enzymes. A low faecal elastase level can indicate pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

What do the Faecal Elastase test results mean?

We interpret the levels of elastase in stool as follows:

Elastase level (µg/g)Meaning
>250Normal
200 - 250Borderline - consider repeating the elastase test
100 - 200Mild to moderate pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
<100Severe pancreatic exocrine insufficiency

This test measures your faecal elastase and if the level of elastase in your stool is low, it can mean that your pancreas is not performing as it should. An elastase level over 200µg/g is considered normal. However, if you have typical symptoms of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and a borderline elastase level of 200-250µg/g you should consider repeating the elastase test. A faecal elastase level under 200µg/g may indicate pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and further tests are usually needed.

What's tested in your Faecal Elastase Test of Pancreatic Enzyme Function?

  • Pancreas Health

    Your pancreas releases enzymes that help you digest your food. We can check the ability of your pancreas to release these enzymes by measuring the levels elastase in your stool. Elastase is an enzyme released into your gut by the pancreas and is therefore a marker of how well the pancreas is able to release enzymes


Faecal Elastase Test FAQs