Free Pancreatic Elastase, Serum — Catalytic Concentration
A blood test that measures the activity of free pancreatic elastase, an enzyme produced by the pancreas.
["This test measures pancreatic elastase activity in blood, which may help evaluate pancreatic function or pancreatic disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2220-2
- Short code
- Elastase Panc Free Ser-cCnc
- Synonyms
- Elastase Panc Free Ser-cCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – 500 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?
This blood test measures the activity of free pancreatic elastase. Pancreatic elastase is an enzyme made by the pancreas that helps digest proteins.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be ordered to help evaluate pancreatic function or investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, indigestion, or changes in bowel habits. It may be used alongside other pancreatic tests because no single result provides a complete picture.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and sent to a laboratory. The laboratory measures the catalytic activity, or ability to act as an enzyme, of free pancreatic elastase in the serum.
How do I prepare for the test?
Special preparation is usually not required for this serum test. Follow any instructions from your healthcare professional, and tell the laboratory if you are pregnant or have recently received certain treatments that could affect the result.
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.
Lower pancreatic elastase activity may be associated with reduced pancreatic function, while higher activity can occur with pancreatic inflammation or injury. Results should be interpreted with symptoms, examination findings, and other laboratory or imaging tests because abnormal values are not specific to one condition.
Short name
Serum Pancreatic Elastase
Frequently asked questions
What does pancreatic elastase measure?
Is this the same as a fecal pancreatic elastase test?
Does an abnormal result diagnose a pancreatic disorder?
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