Leukocyte Elastase, Plasma — Catalytic Concentration
Measures the activity of leukocyte elastase, an immune-cell enzyme, in a blood plasma sample.
["This test measures leukocyte elastase activity in blood plasma and may help evaluate inflammation in certain clinical settings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2223-6
- Short code
- Elastase Leukocyte Plas-cCnc
- Synonyms
- Elastase Leukocyte Plas-cCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 100 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Leukocyte elastase is an enzyme released mainly by neutrophils, which are immune cells that help fight infection and inflammation. This test measures its catalytic activity in plasma, the liquid portion of blood.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be ordered to help assess inflammatory activity or neutrophil-related disease when supported by your symptoms and medical history. It is sometimes used in the evaluation of conditions affecting the lungs or other organs, depending on the laboratory and clinical situation.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and separated into plasma. The laboratory then measures the activity of leukocyte elastase using an enzyme assay.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required. Follow your healthcare professional's instructions, and tell the laboratory if you have a bleeding disorder, are taking blood-thinning medicines, or recently had surgery.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated leukocyte elastase activity may indicate increased neutrophil activation or inflammation. Lower activity may be seen in some conditions associated with reduced immune-cell function, but results must be interpreted with symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory findings. An abnormal result alone does not establish a specific diagnosis.
Short name
Leukocyte elastase
Frequently asked questions
What does leukocyte elastase measure?
Is this the same as a routine blood count?
Does an abnormal result confirm a disease?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy