Pancreatic Enzyme Testing
Pancreatic enzyme testing includes laboratory tests that assess the function of the pancreas by measuring the activity and levels of its digestive enzymes.
The main goals are to detect inflammatory and damaging processes like pancreatitis, evaluate severity, and monitor treatment.
- What is tested:
- Pancreatic enzymes such as amylase, lipase, elastase-1, trypsin, carboxypeptidases.
- Samples used include blood, stool, urine, and duodenal fluid.
- Key enzymes and their roles:
- Amylase and lipase: classic markers for acute pancreatitis; their blood levels rise sharply during inflammation.
- Fecal elastase-1: indicates exocrine pancreatic function; low levels suggest insufficiency.
- Trypsin and carboxypeptidases: help evaluate the severity and type of damage.
- Testing methods:
- Blood enzyme activity tests are fast, commonly used, and informative.
- Stool elastase-1 test is non-invasive and convenient for enzyme production assessment.
- Functional tests with stimulants evaluate secretory activity but require more preparation.
- Other methods include measuring enzyme products in urine and breath tests.
- Clinical use:
- Detects acute and chronic pancreatic inflammation.
- Assesses severity and disease stage.
- Diagnoses exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
- Monitors enzyme replacement therapy.
- Helps differentiate pancreatic from other gastrointestinal diseases.
In summary, pancreatic enzyme testing is crucial for diagnosing pancreatic diseases, assessing pancreatic health, and guiding treatment.
If you need reference ranges or detailed testing protocols, I can provide additional information.