Fecal elastase
A stool test that shows whether your pancreas is producing enough enzymes to digest food and absorb nutrients.
TypeStool
HowA small stool sample collected at home.
How oftenWhen symptoms suggest poor digestion.
BeforeNo need to stop enzyme supplements - they don’t affect the result.
WhoPeople with greasy stools, weight loss, bloating or poor absorption.
When food isn’t being digested properly
Your pancreas makes enzymes that break down fat, protein and carbohydrate. If it makes too few - called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency - food passes through undigested.
Signs
“What would I notice?”
Greasy or floating stools, bloating, gas, loose stools and unintended weight loss.
Symptom-based
Knock-on effects
“Why does it matter?”
Poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and nutrients.
Affects nutrition
Treatable
“Can it be fixed?”
Enzyme replacement taken with meals often helps a lot - once the cause is found.
Treatable
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- Your stools are greasy, pale or hard to flush.
- You’re losing weight without trying.
- You have diabetes, chronic pancreatitis or heavy alcohol use.
- You’ve had pancreatic or stomach surgery.
A better option if…
- Your symptoms suggest inflammation - try calprotectin first.
- You have no digestive symptoms - this isn’t a routine screening test.
How it’s measured
Stool elastase-1
Home sample returned to the lab.
The full picture
What is it?
A test for elastase - a pancreatic enzyme - in stool.
What type of test is it?
A stool test.
What does it measure?
Elastase-1 concentration.
Why might someone consider it?
Low levels suggest the pancreas isn’t producing enough digestive enzymes.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with symptoms of poor digestion or absorption.
How is it performed?
A home stool sample.
How often might it be considered?
When symptoms suggest it.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether poor digestion may come from the pancreas.
What are its limitations?
Watery stool dilutes results; mild insufficiency can be missed.
What should it be viewed with?
Weight trends, vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins, HbA1c and imaging.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Ordered with a collection kit you use at home.
Lab services
e.g. Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp.
Gastroenterology clinics
For ongoing or complex symptoms.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Could my symptoms be a digestion problem?
- Should I have imaging of my pancreas?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Fecal elastase result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Fecal elastase result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test