Fecal elastase

Fecal elastase refers to the testing of the concentration of the pancreatic elastase-1 enzyme found in fecal matter with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results of this test can give a good indication of exocrine pancreatic status and is less invasive and expensive that the current “gold standard”, secretin-cholecystokinin test. Levels of fecal elastase lower than 200 μg / g of stool indicate an exocrine insufficiency. Correlations between low levels and chronic pancreatitis and cancer have been reported.