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HelpTest ID FELAS Elastase, Pancreatic, Serum
Method Name
Direct Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Reporting Name
Elastase (Pancreatic Elastase 1), SSpecimen Type
SerumDraw 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen | 180 days |
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.
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) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
10 - 14 daysPerforming Laboratory
Inter Science InstituteCPT Code Information
83519