A superior alternative for PLT users: Faecal Pancreatic Elastase Test

In October 2005 Pfizer Consumer Healthcare discontinued supply of the Pancreolauryl Test (PLT). The company said that it was unable to resolve various manufacturing and supply issues relating to the capsules used in the test. As Pfizer is the sole British distributor, PLT is no longer available in the UK.

However, there is no need for hospital pharmacists, pathology laboratories or clinicians to be alarmed, as a highly suitable alternative for measuring pancreatic exocrine function is available: ScheBo^® • Pankreatic Elastase 1™ Stuhltest Stool Test (also known as the Faecal Elastase Test or FE-1). Indeed, Pfizer recommends this test in a letter it sent to pharmacists notifying them about the withdrawal of PLT.

Like PLT, the Faecal Pancreatic Elastase Test is a non-invasive procedure used to screen for exocrine insufficiency in patients who are suspected of having pancreatic disease. However, the faecal elastase test is much simpler for patients. Whereas the PLT requires patients to collect all of their urine over two separate days (for ten hours per day), with strict restrictions on their diet and medications, the FE-1 test doesn′t need these restrictions, and uses a single, formed, random stool sample. It is therefore much simpler and less stressful.

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