Pancreas Function testing Function testing seeks to determine whether or not the pancreas is working normally. The three functions of the pancreas are to produce enzymes for digestion, to produce bicarbonate to neutralize gastric acid, and to produce insulin to signal cells in the body to begin taking nutrients out of the blood in anticipation of digestion and absorption of food. The major test include: Enzyme secretion testing Bicarbonate secretion testing Insulin secretion testing

General Pancreatic Function Tests Pancreatic enzymes: lipase (fat digestion), amylase (CHO metabolism) Elevations suggest pancreatitis

Pancreatitis Pancreatitis begins when the digestive enzymes become active inside the pancreas and start "digesting" it. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine through a tube called the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body use the glucose it takes from food for energy. Normally, digestive enzymes do not become active until they reach the small intestine, where they begin digesting food. But if these enzymes become active inside the pancreas, they start "digesting" the pancreas itself. Pancreatitis has two forms: acute and chronic

Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period of time and usually resolves. Chronic pancreatitis does not resolve itself and results in a slow destruction of the pancreas. Either form can cause serious complications. In severe cases, bleeding, tissue damage, and infection may occur. Pseudocysts, accumulations of fluid and tissue debris, may also develop. And enzymes and toxins may enter the bloodstream, injuring the heart, lungs, and kidneys, or other organs. Common causes of pancreatitis are gallstones or alcohol abuse.

Pancreatitis Acute Pancreatitis - Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include: Upper abdominal or mid epigastric pain that may radiate to the back. Pain may last a few days and can become severe or get worse with eating, abdominal distention, N/V, fever, tachycardia, in a severe case - respiratory distress, hypotension, renal failure, shock. DX: 3x more amylase and lipase (digestive enzymes formed in the pancrease), change in blood glucose levels, Ca, Mg, Na, K, and HCO3. US(ultra sound Scan) abd (look for gallstones, CT (look for inflammation or destruction of the pancrease, or pseudocyts) Acute pancreatitis becomes chronic when pancreatic tissue is destroyed and scarring develops.

Secretin Stimulation Test Secretin is a hormone made by the small intestine. Secretin stimulates the pancreas to release a fluid that neutralizes stomach acid and aids in digestion. The secretin stimulation test measures the ability of the pancreas to respond to secretin. This test may be performed to determine the activity of the pancreas in people with diseases that affect the pancreas (for example, cystic fibrosis or pancreatic cancer).

Secretin Stimulation Test During the test, a health care professional places a tube down the throat, into the stomach, then into the upper part of the small intestine. Secretin is administered and the contents of the duodenal secretions are aspirated (removed with suction) and analyzed over a period of about two hours.

Fecal Elastase Test The fecal elastase test is another test of pancreas function. The test measures the levels of elastase, an enzyme found in fluids produced by the pancreas. Elastase digests (breaks down) proteins. In this test, a patient's stool sample is analyzed for the presence of elastase.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan With Contrast Dye This imaging test can help assess the health of the pancreas. A CT scan can identify complications of pancreatic disease such as fluid around the pancreas, an enclosed infection (abscess), or a collection of tissue, fluid, and pancreatic enzymes (pancreatic pseudocyst).

Abdominal Ultrasound An abdominal ultrasound can detect gallstones that might block the outflow of fluid from the pancreas. It also can show an abscess or a pancreatic pseudocyst.gallstones Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) In an ERCP, a health care professional places a tube down the throat, into the stomach, then into the small intestine. Dye is used to help the doctor see the structure of the common bile duct, other bile ducts, and the pancreatic duct on an X-ray. If gallstones are blocking the bile duct, they can also be removed during an ERCP.