Laboratory Lab results are too important to go anywhere else.

Pancreatic Elastase, Fecal

Fecal Elastase, E1, Pancreatic Elastase, Random Stool

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB123187

Department

Immunology

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Random stool specimen in a sterile collection container without preservatives. (Minimum: 1.0 g)

Pancreatic enzyme supplementation therapy should be discontinued prior to collection.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Refrigerate (2°– 8°C) specimen after collection and prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Stool in a sterile collection container, refrigerated (2°– 8°C). (Minimum: 1.0 g)

Rejection Criteria

• Stool collected from diaper.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Refrigerate (2°– 8°C) specimen after collection and prior to processing.

Transport: Stool in a sterile collection container, refrigerated (2°– 8°C). (Minimum: 1.0 g)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 12 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimens retained for 72 hours after testing.

Laboratory

Royal Oak Special Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Results available within 3-5 business days.

Reference Range

<100 mcg/g (Severe Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).

100-199 mcg/g (Mild to Moderate Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).

≥200 mcg/g (Normal Exocrine Pancreatic Function).

Test Methodology

Chemiluminescence

Interpretation

Decreased amounts of pancreatic elastase in feces are not diagnostic for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and normal concentrations do not exclude the possibility of EPI.

Consistency of raw fecal sample may affect analytical performance.

Clinical Utility

To aid in the diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

CPT Codes

82653
LOINC: 25907-7

Contacts

Last Updated

3/31/2025