Test Directory

The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis depends upon the demonstration of functional impairment of the pancreas. Impairment is determined by several means, two of which are:

1. Direct measurement of exocrine secretion into the duodenum after stimulation by a standard meal or after stimulation by intravenous secretin/pancreozymin.

2. The direct measurement of the activities of certain enzymes in feces. Chymotrypsin activity in stool, for example, has been shown to be lower than normal in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Specimen Type: Stool

Collection Container: Sterile Container

Desired Specimen Volume: 1 g

1. Collect random stool in sterile container or unpreserved transport vial.

1. Transport 1g of stool in the original collection container.

Patients receiving pancreatic enzymes should discontinue taking the enzymes at least 5 days before the collection of the stool sample.

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 

See patient report.

• Chymotrypsin, Stool