The Faecal Elastase test estimates the quantity of elastase in faeces (stool). The test is used to understand the whether there is any reduced pancreatic function - the pancreas has an essential role in producing enzymes for the breakdown of food substances as they pass through the gut. Elastase is one, and a low quantity in the faeces is suggestive of pancreatic damage - most commonly from chronic pancreatitis. PLEASE NOTE that a loose faecal sample may give rise to artificially low levels of faecal elastase when tested.