Pancreatic elastase (feces) | Laboratory research

Elastase represents 6% of the total enzymes secreted by the pancreas. It is activated by trypsin in the duodenum, passes without degradation into the small intestine and is concentrated in the feces (excreted in the feces).

Elastase can be detected and detected in the feces when the human pancreas is functioning normally. Its level in feces decreases when the exocrine tissues of the pancreas do not produce enough elastase and other digestive enzymes. This condition is called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency develops when the amount of enzymes released and transported in the small intestine is insufficient for proper digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. Any condition that blocks the ducts of the pancreas or damages or destroys the cells that produce elastase can lead to pancreatic insufficiency. It is often found in diseases such as chronic pancreatitis and sometimes pancreatic cancer. In children it is most often associated with cystitis With fibrosis (CF) or Schwachmann-Diamond Syndrome (SDS). Decreased elastase concentration is observed in more than 50% of cases of type I diabetes, while only 35% of patients with type II diabetes have low levels of enzymes.

Because the specificity of the elastase test is 90-100% and the sensitivity is 93-98%, this test allows for a quick and accurate diagnostics.

How to prepare for the test / rules of material collection

Is a research material Feces, which is released at any time of the day.

• If you are taking pancreatic enzymes, your doctor may ask you to stop them 5 days before your stools are collected.

For research Feces Collection rules

• Before collecting feces for research, you must first purchase a special container.
• The stool sample is collected in a clean container.
• The sample should be formed (not aqueous) and should not be contaminated with urine or water (you should urinate before collecting feces).
• Samples are taken from the middle of the fecal mass with a spoon placed in a special container to collect fecal material. 1/3 or 10-15 g of stool volume is enough for analysis.
• The container should be delivered to the laboratory immediately.