Epic Code FELAS Elastase, Pancreatic, Serum
Performing Laboratory
Inter Science InstituteSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Patient Preparation: The patient should fast for 10 to 12 hours prior to collection of specimen. Medications that affect pancreatic activity should be discontinued, if possible, for at least 48 hours prior to collection of specimen.
Collection Container/Tube: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: 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.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 365 days | |
Refrigerated | 7 days | ||
Ambient | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | Reject |
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Reference Values
Adult Reference Ranges:
Normal pancreatic exocrine function:
Less than 3.5 ng/mL
No pediatric reference ranges available for this test.
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.
Reporting Name
Elastase (Pancreatic Elastase 1), SMethod Name
Direct Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
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 |
Report Available
12 to 14 daysForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen.