Elastase is a proteolytic enzyme excreted by the pancreas. Faecal concentrations reflect the secretory capacity of the pancreas since it does not breakdown in the intestinal tract.
 
Faecal elastase is used to detect exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and its degree of severity, which co-occur with several gastro-and non-gastro-intestinal diseases such as: coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, HIV, IBS, IBD, pancreatitis, alcohol-related liver disease and diabetes mellitus.
 
There are good correlations between faecal elastase levels and pancreatic enzyme output including amylase, trypsin and lipase. A single low reading should be repeated before further investigations are made.
 
The pancreatic elastase standalone is a non-invasive stool test. It is also part of the more comprehensive gut and digestive health profile the GI EcologiX gastrointestinal health and microbiome profile.
 
May also be valuable in cases of:
 
Weight loss
Maldigestion such as floating stools, and/ or undigested food in the stool
Abdominal pain/ IBS
Diarrhoea
Low bone density