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Pancreatic enzyme testing, otherwise known as defining the pancreatic profile, is simply a blood test. Thanks to them, it is possible to diagnose problems with the pancreas, but also other ailments occurring in internal organs. Pancreatic enzyme testing can help identify problems with your kidneys, liver, and diabetes. Under what circumstances are such tests performed? What factors and symptoms should motivate this diagnosis? What indicators of enzymes indicate norms in this area?
Pancreatic tests – when should they be performed?
Determination of the pancreatic profile is a very important test that defines the work of an important organ in the body. Pancreas it is involved in the digestive process and is responsible for insulin secretion. Pancreatic profile it also helps to define ailments related to the kidneys or liver. Its definition comes down to a blood and urine test. It evaluates the concentration amylase, glucose, lipase.
Any ailments related to pancreasor indicating a possible problem with this body should lead to execution pancreatic enzyme tests. An alarming symptom is pain in the epigastric region, radiating from the loins, and additionally also vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. All of these may mean that the pancreas is not functioning properly. Defining the pancreatic profile will allow monitoring of diseases related to this organ.
Pancreatic enzymes – amylase
The basic indicator that determines the possible pancreatic problems, is amylase level. It is an elementary enzyme produced by the pancreas and its concentration is measured in urine and blood. This enzyme is designed to break down polysaccharides into simple sugars that are absorbed into the digestive tract. If you are testing the enzyme in your urine, you will need to put it in a sterile container. Before performing the collection, you should take care of the hygiene of intimate places to prevent bacteria from entering the stream. Exceeded norms of amylase concentration can be a sign of many diseases. If it is above 1150 U/l, the body is most likely struggling with acute pancreatitis, which indicates that the concentration of this enzyme is several times higher than normal. If the indicators show a concentration in the range of 575-1150 U/l, the possible diagnoses are: gallstones, pancreatic duct stones, gastric perforation. Low amylase concentration it is also a very big threat to the health of the body – it can mean the destruction or serious damage of this organ. Standards in the concentration of amylase should range from 25 to 125 U/l in the blood, 10-490 U/l in the urine.
Lipase – standards
Lipase is another enzyme produced by the pancreas, the level of which is necessary to determine pancreatic profile. The standards in this regard mean not allowing the level of 150 U/l to be exceeded. This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Its concentration is tested only by taking blood. If the diagnostics show that the norms have been exceeded several times, it most likely means acute pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. Otherwise, when the norms are lower, it may mean that the organ has been permanently damaged or the patient suffers from diabetes.
Pancreatic enzymes – glucose
In order to fully determine the pancreatic profile, the level of glucose in the blood should also be checked. Glucose is commonly understood sugar, the level of which is regulated by the pancreatic hormone – insulin. Normally, in adults it should be in the range of 3,9-6,4 mmol/l. If the test shows that the standards are exceeded, there is a risk of developing cancer of this organ or inflammation of this organ. However, if the level is low, the diagnostician may find a deficiency of thyroid hormones or liver damage.