Pancreatic Elastase, Fecal

Create a Free Account to View Prices

Category:

Turnaround Time: 3 - 6 days
CPT Code:

82656

Test Type: 3 g Stool (unpreserved, random)
Stability Time:

Temperature

Period

Room temperature

3 days (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference)

Refrigerated

3 days (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference)

Frozen

-20° C up to 1 year (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference)

Freeze/thaw cycles

Stable x3 (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference)
Reference Range:

 

• Normal: >200 μg elastase/g fecal material

• Moderate pancreatic insufficiency: 100−200 μg elastase/g fecal material

• Severe pancreatic insufficiency: <100 μg elastase/g fecal material

Overview:

Can be used for the diagnosis or the exclusion of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which may be associated with chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, carcinoma of the pancreas, diabetes mellitus type 1 (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus), Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, and other etiologies of pancreatic insufficiency.

The polyclonal antibodies used in this assay are specifically directed against defined sequences of the human pancreatic elastase molecule. The enzyme stability is remarkably high despite its proteolytic activity, as elastase is found in feces in about a sixfold concentration as in pancreatic fluid. The determination of enzyme concentration in feces reflects the exocrine secretory capacity of the pancreas.

Collection Details:

Collection Instructions:

Screw-capped plastic vial.

Do not contaminate outside of container. Do not overfill container. Do not submit watery or unformed (loose) stool. Do not use a preservative.

Specimens should be transported refrigerated (ice packs) or frozen if transport temperature is expected to exceed 40°C (104°F).