Faecal Elastase Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Faecal Elastase Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Stool Elastase Test, Pancreatic Elastase Test, Fecal Elastase-1 (FE-1), EL-1, PE-1, PE Stool |
| Sample Type | Stool (faeces) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 4 to 8 business days |
| Recommended For | All ages, males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹7,200 |
What Is a Faecal Elastase Test?
The faecal elastase test measures the amount of elastase, a digestive enzyme produced by the pancreas, present in a stool sample. Doctors order it when they suspect the pancreas is not producing enough digestive enzymes, a condition known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). It is also called the stool elastase test, Pancreatic Elastase (Stool) Test, or FE-1 test, and it requires only a small stool sample for analysis.
What Does a Faecal Elastase Test Measure?
The faecal elastase-1 test specifically measures pancreatic elastase-1, an enzyme released by the pancreas to help digest food. The table below shows what this enzyme does and why measuring it matters.
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Faecal Elastase-1 (FE-1) | Reflects how well the pancreas is producing and releasing digestive enzymes |
Elastase helps break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins so the body can absorb nutrients for energy, cell repair, and growth. When elastase levels in the stool are low, it suggests the pancreas may not be functioning adequately.
Why Is a Faecal Elastase Test Done?
A doctor may request a faecal elastase test when a patient reports persistent digestive problems without a clear cause. Below are the main reasons this test is ordered.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several digestive symptoms can prompt a doctor to request this test. These include:
- Steatorrhoea (greasy, foul-smelling stools that are difficult to flush)
- Chronic diarrhoea lasting several weeks or more
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Excessive flatulence
- Malnutrition despite eating adequately
- Abdominal cramps
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Nausea and vomiting
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The FE-1 test can help identify a range of conditions affecting the pancreas and digestive system. These include:
- Chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas) in adults
- Cystic fibrosis in children is an inherited condition where mucus builds up in the pancreas and lungs
- Pancreatic cancer or tumours
- Coeliac disease (a condition where gluten damages the gut lining)
- Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Diabetes mellitus (types I and II)
- Autoimmune pancreatitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and short bowel syndrome
Faecal Elastase Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For people already diagnosed with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, or diabetes, the stool elastase test helps track how well the pancreas continues to function over time. Repeat testing is typically done every 6 to 12 months, though the frequency may increase in cases of confirmed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, depending on a doctor's recommendation.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Collecting a stool sample is straightforward, but following the right steps helps ensure accurate results. Here is what you need to know before and during sample collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the faecal elastase test. Because the test measures an enzyme in stool rather than a substance in blood, eating and drinking before the test does not affect the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps help ensure your sample is usable and your results are accurate:
- Collect the stool sample in a clean, sterile container to avoid contamination
- Do not let the sample mix with urine or toilet water
- Avoid collecting a watery or liquid stool sample, as this can give falsely low results
- Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, including pancreatic enzyme supplements, as some may need to be paused before collection
- Do not stop any medication without your doctor's guidance
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process is simple and can be done at home. Follow these steps:
- Collect a sterile sample container from the laboratory or via a home collection service.
- Pass a stool naturally and use the provided scoop to collect a small, pea-sized portion directly into the container.
- Make sure the sample does not come into contact with urine or toilet water.
- Write your name, the date, and the time of collection clearly on the container label.
- Store the sealed container at room temperature. Stool samples can generally be kept for up to one week before dispatch.
- Hand the sample to your collection agent or drop it off at the nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre as instructed.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the reliability of your FE-1 test result. These include:
- Watery or liquid stool, which can dilute elastase levels and produce falsely low readings
- Contamination of the sample with urine or toilet water
- Use of pancreatic enzyme supplements before sample collection
- Improper storage of the sample after collection
Understanding Your Faecal Elastase Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed alongside your symptoms, health history, and any other tests your doctor has ordered. The table below shows the reference ranges for interpreting faecal elastase levels.
| Result Category | Faecal Elastase-1 Level (µg/g stool) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Above 200 | Pancreatic enzyme output is within the normal range |
| Moderate Insufficiency | 100 to 200 | Suggests moderate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency |
| Severe Insufficiency | Below 100 | Suggests severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain health conditions can influence how results are read.
- In patients with diarrhoea, the stool may contain more water than usual. This dilution effect can cause faecal elastase-1 readings to appear lower than they actually are, even in people without pancreatic disease.
- In people with coeliac disease, reduced production of a gut hormone called cholecystokinin can lower the pancreas's output of digestive enzymes. This may result in reduced elastase levels that reflect gut damage rather than a primary pancreatic problem.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
General lifestyle habits support pancreatic health over the long term. These tips are for general wellness only and are not a substitute for medical treatment:
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein, healthy fats, and fibre, and limit processed foods
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which places strain on the pancreas
- Attend regular follow-up appointments if you have a condition known to affect the pancreas, such as diabetes or chronic pancreatitis
Lupin Diagnostics Faecal Elastase Test Price and Home Collection
The faecal elastase test is available at Lupin Diagnostics, starting at ₹7,200, with home sample collection available across cities. The table below shows approximate prices by city.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Nagpur | ₹7,200 |
| Mumbai | ₹7,200 |
| Hyderabad | ₹7,200 |
| Bengaluru | ₹7,200 |
| Chennai | ₹7,200 |
| Kolkata | ₹7,200 |
| Pune | ₹7,200 |
| Guwahati | ₹7,200 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your stool elastase test with Lupin Diagnostics is quick and convenient. Follow these steps:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the faecal elastase test across multiple cities, making it easy to submit your stool sample without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories staffed by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The faecal elastase test checks whether the pancreas is producing enough digestive enzymes. It is typically ordered when a patient has persistent digestive symptoms, such as greasy stools, bloating, or unexplained weight loss, that do not have an obvious cause. It is one of the most straightforward ways to assess exocrine pancreatic function.
No, fasting is not required. The stool elastase test measures an enzyme in a stool sample, so food and drink do not affect the result. You can eat and drink normally before collecting your sample.
Unlike some other stool tests, the FE-1 test is generally not significantly affected by taking oral pancreatic enzyme supplements. Even so, it is important to tell your doctor about all supplements and medications you are taking before the test, so they can advise you appropriately.
A low result suggests the pancreas may not be producing adequate digestive enzymes, a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Results between 100 and 200 µg/g indicate moderate insufficiency, while results below 100 µg/g suggest severe insufficiency. Your doctor will likely order further tests to confirm the cause before making any decisions.
Yes, watery or liquid stool can dilute the elastase concentration and produce a falsely low reading. This means a result below the normal threshold may not always indicate a pancreatic problem. Wherever possible, collect a formed stool sample, and let your doctor know if you had diarrhoea at the time of collection.
Yes, the pancreatic elastase (stool) test is safe for children of all ages. It requires only a stool sample, so there are no needles or invasive steps involved. The test is considered a practical and reliable method for assessing pancreatic function in paediatric patients, particularly those with cystic fibrosis.
For people with conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or diabetes, repeat testing is usually done every 6 to 12 months. The exact frequency depends on the underlying condition and your doctor's recommendation. If exocrine pancreatic insufficiency has been confirmed, monitoring may be more frequent.
Faecal Elastase Test: Booking, Price, and Results
