Blood Tests That Show a Bad Pancreas
When the pancreas is not functioning properly, it can result in a variety of health issues. To determine if the pancreas is in trouble, a doctor may order one or more blood tests. The most common tests used to diagnose pancreatic issues are the amylase and lipase tests.
Amylase Test
The amylase test measures the levels of an enzyme called amylase in the blood. This enzyme is produced in the pancreas and is released when the pancreas is damaged. If the amylase levels are higher than normal, this can indicate that the pancreas is not functioning properly.
Lipase Test
The lipase test measures the levels of an enzyme called lipase in the blood. This enzyme is produced by the pancreas and is released when the pancreas is inflamed or damaged. If the lipase levels are higher than normal, this can indicate that the pancreas is not functioning properly.
Other blood tests may be ordered to determine the cause of the pancreatic issue. These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), a liver function test, and a C-reactive protein (CRP) test.
If the blood tests show that the pancreas is not functioning properly, the doctor may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to further evaluate the pancreas.
In some cases, a biopsy of the pancreas may be necessary to accurately diagnose the cause of the pancreatic issue.
If the pancreatic issue is caused by a medical condition, the doctor may prescribe medications to treat the condition and improve the functioning of the pancreas. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a blockage or damaged tissue from the pancreas.