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Test ID: FELAS Elastase, Pancreatic, Serum

Reporting Name

Elastase (Pancreatic Elastase 1), S

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Draw blood in a plain, red-top or a serum gel tube(s). Separate immediately and send 3 mL of serum frozen in a plastic vial.

Note:     1. Indicate serum on request form.

             2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

 

Patient preparation: 

1. The patient should fast for 10 to 12 hours prior to collection.

2. Medications that affect pancreatic activity should be discontinued, if possible, for at least 48 hours prior to collection of specimen.


Specimen Minimum Volume

1 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Frozen 180 days

Reference Values

Adult Reference Ranges:

Normal pancreatic exocrine function:

  Less than 3.5 ng/mL

 

No pediatric reference ranges available for this test.

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

83519

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
FELAS Elastase (Pancreatic Elastase 1), S 14048-3

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
Z0925 Elastase 14048-3

Clinical Information

Serum Elastase, also called Pancreatopeptidase, is a protease present in pancreatic secretion with the unique ability to rapidly hydrolyze elastin. Elastin is a fibrillar protein found in connective tissue. Elastin forms the elastic fibers found mostly in lungs and skin. Elastase is able to hydrolyze denatured hemoglobin, casein, fibrin, albumin and denatured but not native collagen. Elastase has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema, atherosclerosis and in the vascular injury of acute pancreatic necrosis. Elastase activity is inhibited by protease inhibitors including a1-Anti-Trypsin, a1-anti-Chymotrypsin, anti-Thrombin III, a2-Macroglobulin and b1-anti-Collagenase. Patients with thyroid dysfunction have decreased Elastase activity. Serum pancreatic levels quantify EL 1 for the diagnosis or exclusion of an acute pancreatitis or an inflammatory episode of chronic pancreatitis or gallstone induced pancreatitis.

Analytic Time

10 - 14 days

Method Name

Direct Radioimmunoassay (RIA)

Mayo Clinic Laboratories | Gastroenterology Catalog Additional Information:

mml-gi-pancreas-pancreatitis