A stool pancreatic elastase test measures a digestive enzyme made by the pancreas. It helps assess whether enough digestive enzymes reach the intestine. Low levels can suggest a problem with this digestive function, but need to be interpreted with other findings.
The pancreas is an organ behind the stomach. It releases enzymes that help break down food. Measuring elastase in a stool sample gives information about this enzyme output. Reports may call the test fecal elastase, faecal elastase or FE-1.
Too little enzyme activity can make it harder to digest food and absorb nutrients. This is called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI. The elastase result alone does not identify why the problem developed.
A formed or semi-solid sample is needed. Very watery stool can dilute the enzyme and produce a misleadingly low result. Tell the requesting team if your sample was watery, since another sample may be needed.
A low value is assessed alongside symptoms, nutritional findings and any further tests. A normal result does not completely exclude EPI, especially a milder problem. This stool test is not a measurement of insulin production or a blood glucose test.

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