Question 1

What's this test for?

Accepted Answer

This test is ideal if you're experiencing persistent digestive problems like chronic diarrhea, oily or greasy stools, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal discomfort after meals. It helps identify pancreatic insufficiency, a condition where your pancreas isn't producing enough digestive enzymes to properly break down food. Many people use this test when they suspect their digestive symptoms are related to poor nutrient absorption but want concrete answers.

Question 2

What happens after I get my results?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your pancreatic elastase levels mean for your digestive health and nutrient absorption. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary modifications, enzyme supplement guidance, or whether you should follow up with a gastroenterologist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your enzyme levels over time using our trends feature to see how your interventions are working.

Question 3

What's included in this test?

Accepted Answer

This test measures Pancreatic Elastase-1, a specific enzyme produced by your pancreas that helps digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Low levels indicate that your pancreas isn't producing enough digestive enzymes, which can lead to malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies, and the uncomfortable digestive symptoms you may be experiencing. This measurement provides direct insight into pancreatic function and helps identify exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Question 4

How should I prepare for this test?

Accepted Answer

This is a stool test that requires you to collect an undiluted feces sample in a clean, dry, sterile, leak-proof container. No special dietary preparation or fasting is needed. Simply collect the sample according to the instructions provided with your collection kit and return it as directed for analysis.

Question 5

When will I get my results?

Accepted Answer

Results are typically available within 3-5 business days after the lab receives your sample. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready to view in your secure online account, along with your personalized doctor notes and recommendations.

Question 6

Who should consider getting this test?

Accepted Answer

This test is ideal for people experiencing chronic digestive issues, particularly those with frequent diarrhea, floating or greasy stools, unexplained weight loss despite normal eating, or bloating after meals. It's especially important for people with cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease who are at higher risk for pancreatic insufficiency. Anyone struggling with persistent digestive symptoms that haven't improved with dietary changes should consider this test.

Question 7

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Accepted Answer

Key symptoms include frequent loose or oily stools that are hard to flush, unexplained weight loss despite eating normally, persistent abdominal pain or cramping after meals, and excessive gas or bloating. You might also notice signs of vitamin deficiencies like fatigue or weakness, since poor enzyme production affects nutrient absorption. If you've tried dietary changes without improvement, this test can help identify if enzyme deficiency is the underlying cause.

Question 8

How can I naturally support my pancreatic health?

Accepted Answer

Supporting pancreatic health starts with avoiding alcohol and limiting high-fat, processed foods that strain the pancreas. Eating smaller, more frequent meals with adequate protein can make digestion easier. Including antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and colorful vegetables may help reduce inflammation. However, if you have confirmed pancreatic insufficiency, dietary changes alone may not be enough, and enzyme replacement therapy prescribed by your doctor is often necessary.

Question 9

What does low Pancreatic Elastase-1 mean?

Accepted Answer

Low Pancreatic Elastase-1 levels indicate that your pancreas isn't producing enough digestive enzymes, a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This means your body can't properly break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates from food, leading to malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies. Low levels are commonly seen in chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, or severe celiac disease, and typically require enzyme replacement therapy to help your body digest food properly.

Question 10

What should I do if my Pancreatic Elastase-1 is low?

Accepted Answer

If your levels are low, your doctor will likely recommend pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, which you take with meals to help digest food properly. You may need to adjust your diet to include more easily digestible foods and smaller, more frequent meals. Your doctor might also recommend fat-soluble vitamin supplements since poor fat digestion affects vitamin absorption. Follow-up testing and consultation with a gastroenterologist can help identify the underlying cause and create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Question 11

How often should I retest Pancreatic Elastase-1?

Accepted Answer

If you're newly diagnosed with pancreatic insufficiency and starting enzyme therapy, your doctor may want to monitor your symptoms and nutritional status every 3-6 months rather than retesting elastase levels frequently. Once your condition is stable and well-managed with treatment, annual testing may be sufficient. If you have an underlying condition like chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis, your doctor will determine the appropriate monitoring schedule based on your specific situation and how well you're responding to treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Pancreatic Enzyme Test for Digestive Issues

Pancreatic Elastase-1

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Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

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