Faecal elastase stool test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Elastase is an enzyme released by the pancreas into the gut to help digest protein. Unlike many enzymes it passes through the bowel largely unchanged, so the amount in a stool sample reflects how much the pancreas is producing. Low levels suggest exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, where food, especially fat, is not fully digested and absorbed.

Pancreatic insufficiency can follow chronic pancreatitis, and is also linked with cystic fibrosis, pancreatic surgery and, less often, long-standing diabetes or coeliac disease. It is a non-invasive first step, and NICE guidance on chronic pancreatitis supports this kind of test for checking pancreatic enzyme output. You collect a small stool sample at home and return it to us, or bring a fresh sample to the clinic.

The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have pale, oily or floating stools that are hard to flush.
• You have ongoing loose stools with weight loss you cannot explain.
• You have had pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery and want your enzyme output checked.
• You feel bloated after fatty meals and have signs of poor absorption, such as low vitamin D.
• Your GP or practitioner has suggested checking pancreatic function.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your elastase level with the laboratory reference range. Higher values are reassuring and suggest normal pancreatic enzyme output. Lower values can indicate mild to severe pancreatic insufficiency, and your report shows how your value compares with the laboratory cut-offs.

A very watery stool can dilute the sample and give a falsely low reading, so results are interpreted alongside your symptoms and stool consistency. A low result is a prompt for further assessment, often with your GP or a gastroenterologist, rather than a diagnosis. Unexplained weight loss, yellowing of the skin or persistent upper abdominal or back pain should be reviewed promptly by your GP.

Preparing for your test

You can eat normally beforehand. Collect a small, formed stool sample if possible using the pot provided, avoiding contact with urine or water in the toilet. Methods that measure human elastase are not affected by pancreatic enzyme supplements (such as Creon), but tell us if you take them and we confirm any preparation when you book. Return the sample on the same day it is collected.

The pancreatic health tests measure lipase and amylase in the blood, and the Nutritional and Digestive Health check looks at nutrients that may fall when absorption is poor. Browse every blood test and price in Chiswick too.

Questions

How much is a faecal elastase test in Chiswick?

A faecal elastase stool test costs £169 when your sample is handed in at our Chiswick clinic. It includes laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Does it test for pancreatitis?

Not directly. Faecal elastase shows how well the pancreas produces digestive enzymes. Acute pancreatitis is assessed with blood tests such as lipase and needs urgent medical care.

Do I need to stop enzyme supplements first?

Usually not, because tests that detect human elastase are not affected by supplements made from pig pancreas. Mention them when you book so we can confirm.

What if my stool is very loose?

A watery sample can dilute elastase. A formed sample gives the most reliable reading, so your practitioner may suggest a repeat if the first sample was very loose.