Malabsorption of nutrients can lead to malnutrition. About half of kids with SDS start producing digestive enzymes as they get older. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! Are Flame Retardant Toxins Contributing to Your Thyroid Condition? Although the assay detected SCP with steatorrhea, it did not consistently separate the MCP patients from normals. When you consume PERT with food, it duplicates the normal digestive process because the enzymes mix with the food and help you absorb more nutrition from the food and supplements that you consume. This problem is called malabsorption. Pancreatic Insufficiency. . Dr. Hopson goes on to explain that the pancreatic elastase test, used as an initial screening for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, is an alternative to fecal fat testing, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient for patients. al. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/10/2021. Elastase is an enzyme produced. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. About SDS. Daher R, Yazbeck T, Jaoude JB, Abboud B. This test is an excellent biomarker for how well the pancreas is working because the enzyme pancreatic elastase I is not broken down by what happens in the intestinal tract. ), Supporting improved bile flow. al. This depends on the laboratory performing the testing. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Treatments include: Its helpful to avoid smoking and alcohol use. Accessibility Pancreatic elastase test results A 53-year-old male asked: I recently had pancreatic elastase 1 test results of >500, is this normal? When the pancreas is damaged, these digestive enzymes can be found in the blood at higher levels than normal. 2013 Apr; 1(2): 7983. The values of pancreas function test include normal amylase levels of 23-85 U/L (some lab results go up to 140 U/L) and lipase levels of 0-160 U/L. Over time, chronic inflammation can damage the pancreatic cells that make digestive enzymes. The procedure for an elastase stool test involves collecting a small sample of stool in a special container. I dont suppose you can signpost me to an article where it supports that there is a strong indicator for EPI so I can discuss it with my consultant, as they wrote in a letter that I had an MRI and Elastase test and there are no concerns, but there is a clear flag next to my result and the hospital reference range goes up to 200. It is a key part of your digestive process. Although PE1 concentrates in the stool and is not significantly degraded, subtle changes in this enzyme, as in MCP, do not seem to be detectable by this assay. Gheorghe, C. et. Pancreatic insufficiency can cause a number of health problems, including malabsorption and . It is important to treat the underlying cause of PEI, and these treatments will vary depending on the cause. Are pancreas elastase stool results affected by pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, such as creon? Hiya HealthSleuths, I didnt find anything & just totally lost sight of this in amongst all the other health issues at the time. These substances make your pancreas work harder and can contribute to pancreatitis, which can lead to EPI. A low Pancreatic Elastase 1 may indicate that the cause of symptoms may be due to a pancreatic cause and should prompt further investigations to identify this rather than only treat with PERT. They refer to insufficiency as being 100-200 ug/g. However, there are options available that make it easier for the body to break down and absorb nutrients, which can help reduce the steatorrhea and nutritional deficiencies that PEI causes. Available online at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5301368/. Not all laboratories offer this test and your sample may need to be sent to a reference laboratory for testing. Neither of the tests alone tells much. In both cases improper digestion or absorption the affected person can experience symptoms associated with malabsorption and, in severe cases, symptoms of malnutrition and vitamin deficiency. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered. 2013 Nov 14; 19(42): 72587266. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. Accessed on 3/19/17. Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Foundation. Making a diagnosis of PEI requires more than a single abnormal Fel-1 level and includes assessment of the patients symptoms, nutritional status, risk factors for pancreatic disease, endocrine function and structural imaging. Accessed August 5, 2020. A ONECARE MEDIA COMPANY. Leeds JS, Oppong K, Sanders DS: The role of fecal elastase-1 in detecting exocrine pancreatic disease. Low levels of fecal elastase can be indicative of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. For the test, you receive secretin through an intravenous (IV) line. [Measurement of fecal elastase 1 by immunoreactivity: a new indirect test of the pancreatic function]. How to differentiate between UTI and Pregnancy Symptoms? Available online at https://www.jgld.ro/2015/1/21.html. Little (or no) elastase can indicate EPI. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. People with pancreatic dysfunction often need to be monitored closely by their healthcare practitioner. Its purpose is to help digest food, specifically proteins. Fecal elastase test (FE-1): This test is done to look for an enzyme called elastase that is released from the pancreas during digestion. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2018.01.027. This is called pancreatic insufficiency. This test measures the amount of elastase in your stool. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Pancreatitis causes inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis. https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-you-doing-everything-for-your-thyroid-but-not-yet-well/, https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/do-you-have-hypothyroidism-or-hashimotos-or-both/, https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/, https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/fish-oil-for-hashimotos/, 8 Benefits of the Infrared Sauna That Can Reduce Symptoms of Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism. https://www.abingtonhealth.org/healthy-living/health-news/library/articles-related-to-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding/a-guide-to-gallstones-during-pregnancy/. would either diagnose pancreatic cancer? If you have any concerns about the test, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Interpret your laboratory results instantly with us. And while fibre is good for gut health, for many individuals with PEI it is better to keep fibre intake low, as this can make digestion easier. It is often seen in conditions such as chronic pancreatitis and sometimes pancreatic cancer. Dr Z Please use an alternative web browser, or listen from your mobile device on a preferred listening app. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310292.php Updated July 23, 2018. Practical guide to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency Breaking the myths. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The determination of enzyme concentration in . Pancreatitis suspected amylase levels are > 200 U/L and lipase levels are > 200 U/L. 2014 Oct;2(5):345-54. If you have PEI, it is a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian, who can work with you to establish a meal plan tailored to your lifestyle, that maximizes the nutritional quality of what you eat, and reverses any nutritional deficiencies. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. The pancreatic elastase 1 fecal test is used to diagnose insufficiencies of the pancreas that result in diseases such as: - Cystic fibrosis - Chronic pancreatitis - Pancreatic cancer - Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Gallstones - Diabetes, Type 1 - Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome In a healthy pancreas, elastase will be eliminated in the stool. If only a single specimen is collected, it must be split prior to transport. Lyon, E. et. 2. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is described as a reduction in pancreatic enzyme activity below the normal digestive threshold level. *Normal exocrine pancreatic sufficiency: 200 to >500 ug E1/g stool *Moderate to mild exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: 100 - 200 ug E1/g stool *Severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: below 100 ug. It is not necessary to interrupt enzyme substitution . Chen C, Xie Z, Shen Y, Xia S.F. I think you should follow up with your GP for further advice and maybe a repeat test. If the pancreatic elastase test of my stool was in normal range- what exactly does this mean? Diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Chowdhury SD, Kurien RT, Ramachandran A, et al: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: Comparing fecal elastase 1 with 72-h stool for fecal fat estimation. Pancreatic endosonographic findings and clinical correlation in Crohn's disease. For assistance, contact. Formal Name: Fecal Elastase-1. Tth AZ, Szab A, Hegyi E, Hegyi P, Sahin-Tth M. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. (The active ingredient is milk thistle, a plant that contains, Increasing bile to better support fat digestion. 1. A combination of tests and exams will lead to diagnosis. Optimal Result: Bookshelf They have also diagnosed me with a mild bile malabsorption issue. In children, it is most frequently associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) or Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure. Doctors find that the following conditions are associated with low levels of pancreatic elastase I: If used routinely in gastrointestinal practice, an abnormal result will frequently occur but this cannot be assumed to mean that the person has PEI. 2017;16(2):S70-78. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. The 72-hour fecal fat test is useful for evaluating for the presence of steatorrhea. EPI occurs when your pancreas doesnt make enough digestive enzymes. American Pancreatic Association Practice Guidelines in Chronic Pancreatitis: evidence-based report on diagnostic guidelines. Elastase is an enzyme made by special tissue in the pancreas, an organ in your upper abdomen. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Available online at https://www.pancreapedia.org/reviews/diagnosis-of-pancreatic-exocrine-insufficiency-in-chronic-pancreatitis. 2017. Background Accessed on 3/19/17. Elastase is one of them that's really important because it doesn't get degraded by bacteria, which means we can test it easily in stool," Dr. Hopson says. Levy, P. et. One is a blog post and the other is the most frequently watched webinar- both on EPI. 2017; 15: 29. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. i have crohn's. The sample is then sent to a laboratory, where it is analyzed to determine the level of elastase present. Another inherited condition, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS), also causes EPI in children. Should I look out for signs of complications? After another washing step, substrate tetramethylbenzidine is added, which reacts with the peroxidase. Protease and elastase, which break down proteins. (2017 February 10). Singh VK, Schwarzenberg SJ. At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. Smoking induced pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The intensity of the yellow color is directly proportional to the concentration of pancreatic elastase. 2014 Nov;43(8):1143-62. doi: 10.1097/MPA.0000000000000237. Our technology helps to understand, combine, track, organize, and act on your medical lab test results. You'll give your doctor a solid stool sample. Test Includes: Pancreatic stool elastase concentration measured in mcg/g stool. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Fecal pancreatic elastase is a non-invasive marker of exocrine pancreatic function. Your email address will not be published. The lower the level of Pancreatic Elastase I is in the stool, the worse the pancreatic insufficiency is. The most common risk is discomfort or embarrassment related to collecting the sample. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in adults: A shared position statement of the Italian association for the study of the pancreas. Pancreatic elastase concentrations from 100-200 mcg/g are suggestive for moderate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Pancreatic Elastase 1 Optimal Result: 200 - 1000 mcg/g. If specimen is sent refrigerate, send immediately after collection. Elastase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas that helps digest fats. The polyclonal antibodies used in this assay are specifically directed against defined sequences of the human pancreatic elastase molecule. Depends on stool transit, https://www.gdx.net/core/one-page-test-descriptions/Pancreatic-Elastase-Test-Description.pdf National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Pancreatitis, In children, an inability to gain weight, delayed growth. Whitcomb, D. ( 2009). In the digestive tract, elastase is not broken down by other enzymes and is eventually eliminated from the body in the stool. (2013 November 14 Updated). Your healthcare provider may suspect EPI if you have a condition that affects your pancreas. Accessed on 3/19/17. 2002 Apr;40(4):325-32. doi: 10.1515/CCLM.2002.051. Supplies: Stool container, Small (Random), 4 oz (T288). Clin Chem Lab Med. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. This group continues to be the most difficult group to diagnose clinically. "The pancreas produces many enzymes. 2016 Nov;35(6):441-444, The Immundiagnostik Pancreatic Elastase assay is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Available online at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4735004/. EPI is a lifelong condition. Hope this helps. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Fecal elastase-1 as a test for pancreatic function: a review. Interpret your laboratory results instantly with us. 2019 Mar 21;12:129-139, 3. Merck Manual Professional Version. and transmitted securely. When you have EPI, you dont have enough digestive enzymes. 200 - 1000 mcg/g. Malluta F, Maluf-Filho F, Leite AZA, Ortiz-Agostinho CL, Nishitokukado I, Andrade AR, Lordello MLL, Santos FMD, Sipahi AM. Pancreas.org. The pancreatic elastase test, often referred to as "fecal elastase," is a helpful tool for identifying exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in people who have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss. All Rights Reserved. This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Terms & Conditions, 2018;2018:2861034. doi:10.1155/2018/2861034. An elastase test may be ordered when a person has signs and symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency, such as: A normal amount of elastase will be present in the stool of healthy individuals. Mine is also above the lab ref range, >750. Duggan, S. et. Lower levels may indicate pancreatic insufficiency or other problems with fat digestion. It causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, making breathing difficult. Surgery on the digestive tract, including. Learn more. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017 Jul;62(7):1702-1712. doi: 10.1007/s10620-017-4602-2. I just want to be able to challenge the consultant who appears to think this is okay. Consequences of dysthyroidism on the digestive tract and viscera. Frontline Gastroenterol. United European Gastroenterol J. My pancreatic elastase 1 ?came back at 415 ug/g is this normal ? Calibrators, controls, and diluted patient samples are added to a 96-well plate pre-coated with monoclonal antibodies to pancreatic elastase. Pancreatic elastase present in the patient samples is determined directly from this curve. As a result, your body doesnt get the nutrients it needs from foods. 2011 May 31;8(7):405-415, 2. A stool that is watery, such as with diarrhea, is not a good sample as the water in the stool will dilute the elastase and decrease the amount measured. Presented as part of the 2017 Institute for Functional Medicine Conference; October 2017; Denver, CO. Chowdhury P, Gupta P. Pathophysiology of alcoholic pancreatitis: an overview. Cystic fibrosis is the top cause of EPI in infants and children. government site. This leads to uncomfortable digestive problems, such as: Many digestive problems cause symptoms similar to EPI. Elastase can be detected and measured in the stool when a persons pancreas is functioning normally. In-depth research on any test at your fingertips, all stored and tracked in one place. The purpose of an elastase stool test is to help diagnose pancreatic insufficiency, a condition in which the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to properly digest food. al. Note: Podcasts will not playback on Internet Explorer. Hi Sparkle. is this normally associated? Consider pepsin, plant or pancreatic enzyme supplements, digestive herbs, bile salts, and taurine. Maybe this is an oversight on the part of the consultant? Did you ever turn up anything on high elastase? Pancreatic elastase concentrations below 100 mcg/g are consistent with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Hi Sparkle44- A high fecal elastase test is a strong indicator of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) meaning your pancreas isnt producing enough enzymes to digest and absorb food properly. Lth, S. et. Refrigerated or ambient specimens received more than 72 hours post collection will be rejected. The pancreas is part of your digestive system. Fecal elastase test. Stay up to date with the latest news and information from Testing.com by subscribing to our newsletter. Your provider may also recommend that you give up drinking alcohol and smoking. I had a stool test that included pancreatic elastase 1 test, it came back low at 102 vs 201 mcg/g normal. People with EPI cant absorb enough fats, proteins and carbohydrates from foods. I. Gullo L, Pezzilli R, Bellanova B, DAmbrosi A, Alvisi V, Barbara L. Influence of the thyroid on exocrine pancreatic function. Clinical Chemistry 51, No. Dig Dis Sci. People with EPI dont have enough pancreatic (digestive) enzymes to break down foods and absorb nutrients. Pancreatic Elastase is an enzyme produced by exocrine tissue in the pancreas. Gullo L, Ventrucci M, Tomassetti P, Migliori M, Pezzilli R. Dig Dis Sci. He is a specialist at Cedars Sinai in LA and does extensive research/treatment of the pancreas. Accessed on 3/19/17. The answer depends on the lab. A dietitian can help you get the fats, nutrients and vitamins you need for good health. Accessed on 3/19/17. Fatty foods can worsen steatorrhea, but it is still important to consume enough fat for necessary bodily functions and because fats are required to absorb certain vitamins. Pancreatic elastase1 (PE1) is a proteolytic enzyme secreted exclusively by the human pancreas, and as such, it reflects overall pancreatic exocrine function.45It is an extremely stable, reliable, and specific marker46and correlates well with gold-standard, stimulated pancreatic function tests.47PE1 is concentrated fivefold to sixfold higher in Would you like email updates of new search results? Testing cannot be added on to a previously collected specimen. National Library of Medicine The elastase test is used along with other tests, such as fecal fat and/or fecal chymotrypsin, to evaluate both children and adults for pancreatic insufficiency. It's a key part of your digestive process. Scand J Gastroenterol. The site is secure. (Package insert: IDK Pancreatic Elastase ELISA kit. All rights reserved. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered. Diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in chronic pancreatitis. The Elastase I protein is found concentrated in the stool, five times higher than what is found in pancreatic juice. Epub 2018 Jan 31. If your signs and symptoms continue and a strong suspicion of pancreatic insufficiency remains, your healthcare practitioner may order stool tests for fecal fat and chymotrypsin or blood tests for amylase and lipase to look at other aspects of pancreas and digestive function. The exocrine pancreas is responsible for producing elastase along with other enzymes that are transported to the small intestine to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as part of food digestion. What is Cardiac Ablation? Controversy: Is Coffee Bad For Your Thyroid? These tests can spot pancreas problems that can lead to EPI. Romanian Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. If you are taking pancreatic enzymes, you may be asked to discontinue them for 5 days prior to stool collection. Generally, a level of at least 200 micrograms per gram (mcg/g) is considered normal. . 1995-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Because the sensitivity of elastase-1 stool testing is lower for mild to moderate EPI, falsely normal results may be obtained more often for people with mild or moderate EPI. (2015 March). 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, https://gastro.org/practice-guidance/gi-patient-center/topic/exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency-epi/, (https://gastro.org/practice-guidance/gi-patient-center/topic/exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency-epi/), https://staywell.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=61769&i=632012&p=1, (https://staywell.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=61769&i=632012&p=1), https://labtestsonline.org/conditions/pancreatic-insufficiency, (https://labtestsonline.org/conditions/pancreatic-insufficiency), https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/malabsorption/overview-of-malabsorption, (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/malabsorption/overview-of-malabsorption), (https://shwachman-diamond.org/about-sds/), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5656454/, (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5656454/), https://www.cysticfibrosisjournal.com/article/S1569-1993(17)30813-5/fulltext, (https://www.cysticfibrosisjournal.com/article/S1569-1993(17%2930813-5/fulltext), https://pancreasfoundation.org/patient-information/ailments-pancreas/exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency-epi/, (https://pancreasfoundation.org/patient-information/ailments-pancreas/exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency-epi/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Thirty-six subjects [15 healthy controls, 7 malabsorption controls, and 14 subjects with CP (7 MCP, 7 SCP)] had FPE1 assays. Nearly 9 in 10 infants with cystic fibrosis develop EPI within the first year. Children with cystic fibrosis and adults with chronic pancreatitis are most likely to have EPI. It is less frequently but sometimes associated with pancreatic cancer. This test measures the amount of elastase in stool (feces) to help evaluate whether a persons pancreas is functioning properly. See our Privacy Policy for more details. Hi Linda thanks so much for your response. al. Chronic Pancreatitis: Current Status and Challenges for Prevention and Treatment. standardrange200? Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Available online at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4040730/. I Possible pancreatic insufficiency. Many tests are available to assess pancreatic function. Early diagnosis is important as treatment with PERT alleviates symptoms, improves quality of life and helps prevent long-term complications related to fat malabsorption. The Fel-1 test has been validated against a number of other tests of exocrine pancreatic function but often in very specific circumstances. Hi just wondering if anyone knows the relevance of a high fecal elastase test? It is a key part of your digestive process. Pancreatic Elastase is an enzyme produced by exocrine tissue in the pancreas. Pancreas. Are there any risks of having a high fecal elastase? GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Result LOINC Value. rule out pancreas problem. Secretin pancreatic function test to test how the pancreas responds to secretin, a hormone that triggers the release of digestive enzymes. Title: Pancreatic Elastase, Stool (The active ingredient is ox bile, which has been shown to increase bile flow and support fat digestibility in animal studies. Which test is better for diagnosing pancreas insufficiency: stool panc elastase or serum lipase/amylase? Enzymes are proteins that cause chemical reactions in your body. what could cause this? If there are not enough pancreatic enzymes (and bile from the liver) available, then fat and other foods cannot be properly digested. My result is 800+ ug/g This is above the normal range. Methods. I cant seem to find anything online that is helpful. notes indicate:it is not necessary to interrupt enzyme substitution thearpy. Optimal Result: 200 - 1000 mcg/g. Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them. Kellerund, J. and Layer, P. (2015 September 14). It can lead to malnutrition. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team. All Rights Reserved. Fecal pancreatic elastase 1 (FPE1) assay (ScheBo Tech) has been proposed as a reliable test to evaluate pancreatic exocrine function, with sensitivities of up to 100% in diagnosing CP. The container should be transported promptly to the laboratory, or the sample may be frozen for later transport. 2 Normally, this enzyme will be found in stool. Root Causes of Depression and Hashimotos, Top 9 Takeaways From 2232 People With Hashimotos. Available online at https://pancreas.org/patients/testing-procedures/functional/. Learn more. 1998 Apr;42(4):551-4. doi: 10.1136/gut.42.4.551. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications or to avoid eating or drinking certain foods or beverages before the test. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes, as these products can be damaging to the pancreas, especially in those who have PEI from chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. 2023 HealthCheckUp.com. It is released as a zymogen, which is then converted to an active enzyme in the duodenum by trypsin. PERT is a safe treatment, without any known serious side effects. One hundred fifty-four assays for FPE1 were run for analysis. It may take several days for results to be available. Abington Jefferson Health website. Fecal elastase-1 determination: gold standard of indirect pancreatic function tests? The subjects with nonpancreatic malabsorption had FPE1 values ranging from 55 to > 500 micrograms/g of stool. It is generally diagnosed if faecal elastase-1 (FE-1) levels are below 200 g/g. 2019 May 30;74:e853. Test Result Name. Conwell DL, Lee LS, Yadav D, Longnecker DS, Miller FH, Mortele KJ, Levy MJ, Kwon R, Lieb JG, Stevens T, Toskes PP, Gardner TB, Gelrud A, Wu BU, Forsmark CE, Vege SS. Pancreatic Elastase-1 - The Elastase-1 is a quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for measuring concentrations of elastase-1 in feces as an aid in diagnosis of the exocrine pancreatic function. This condition is called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Additionally, people who are carriers of one mutated copy of the CFTR gene, the gene typically responsible for cystic fibrosis, may have pancreatic insufficiency and experience the associated signs and symptoms. The majority of those with nonpancreatic malabsorption had false-positive values.