Do you often notice pale, floating, or unusually greasy stools? Perhaps you’re dealing with uncomfortable bloating, frequent diarrhoea, or unexpected weight loss despite a good appetite. These could be more than just dietary upsets.
Stools that look oily or are hard to flush away are known as steatorrhoea. This usually means your digestive system isn't absorbing fat properly. The most common cause? Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency—where your pancreas isn’t making enough enzymes to digest food.
The pancreas is a behind-the-scenes hero. It secretes crucial enzymes, including elastase, to help break down what you eat. If it can’t keep up, fats and nutrients pass straight through, leading to uncomfortable symptoms and sometimes even vitamin deficiencies.
“A simple stool sample can reveal if your pancreas is struggling to do its job.”
Learn more about fat digestion problems from the NHS A-Z.
Yes! The Mayfield Clinic At-Home Pancreatic Elastase Stool Test makes it easy. Collect a small stool sample in your own bathroom using a provided container, post it back to our accredited lab, and receive results in as few as 5 days.
If symptoms persist or you’re seeking peace of mind, order your at-home pancreatic elastase kit or book an in-person blood test at our trusted UK clinics today.
Pancreatic elastase in a stool sample assesses how well your pancreas is producing enzymes. It can help diagnose pancreatic insufficiency, particularly in people with chronic symptoms.
No special preparation is needed. Simply follow the instructions in your Mayfield collection kit for a clean and reliable sample.
Low levels may indicate pancreatic insufficiency, which is treatable with enzyme supplements and dietary changes. Your Mayfield GP can discuss your next steps.
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