PANCREATIC FUNCTION TESTs
PREPARED BY MR. ABHIJIT DAS
Pancreatic function tests are a group of
laboratory tests that measure various enzymes and other substances produced by
the pancreas, a gland located in the abdomen that plays an important role in
digestion and blood sugar regulation. Three commonly used pancreatic function
tests are serum amylase, serum lipase, and serum trypsin.
1.
Serum amylase: Amylase is
an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands that helps break down
carbohydrates. The serum amylase test measures the amount of amylase in the
blood. Elevated levels of serum amylase may indicate pancreatic cancer or
pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed.
Normal range: 25-125 units per liter (U/L)
2.
Serum lipase: Lipase is
an enzyme produced by the pancreas that helps break down fats. The serum lipase
test measures the amount of lipase in the blood. Elevated levels of serum
lipase may indicate pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis or other conditions that
affect the pancreas.
Normal range: 10-140 U/L
3.
Serum trypsin: Trypsin is
an enzyme produced by the pancreas that helps break down proteins. The serum
trypsin test measures the amount of trypsin in the blood. Low levels of serum
trypsin may indicate pancreatic insufficiency, a condition in which the
pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to properly digest food.
Normal range: 20-150 ng/mL