Test Overview
Test Methodology

Radioimmunoassay (RIA)

Test Usage

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 Range *

Adults: Normal pancreatic exocrine function:

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Friday
Analytic Time

12 - 16 days

Soft Order Code
MMLR
Synonyms
  • Pancreatopeptidase
  • Pancreatic Elastase, Serum
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Mayo FELAS (90158) (Interscience)
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect specimen in a red top or SST tube from a fasting patient (10-12 hour fast). Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and freeze. Medications that affect pancreatic activity should be discontinued, if possible, for at least 48 hours prior to collection of specimen.

Special Handling

Fasting specimen.

Normal Volume
3 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL serum
Additional Information

Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories; performed by InterScience Institute.

Billing
CPT Code
83519