Pancreatitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including alcohol abuse, gallstones, and certain medications. When a person has pancreatitis, certain blood tests can be used to diagnose the condition and monitor its progression. Here, we discuss which blood tests are elevated with pancreatitis.
Blood Tests for Pancreatitis
The most commonly performed blood tests for pancreatitis are amylase and lipase. Amylase is an enzyme that is released by the pancreas and helps with the digestion of carbohydrates. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it can release higher levels of amylase into the bloodstream. Lipase is an enzyme that helps with the digestion of fats. Like amylase, when the pancreas is inflamed, it can release higher levels of lipase into the bloodstream.
Other blood tests that may be used to diagnose pancreatitis include a complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests (LFTs), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP). A CBC is used to measure the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. LFTs measure the levels of various enzymes and proteins in the liver. PP is a hormone produced by the pancreas that can be used to diagnose pancreatitis.
Elevated Blood Test Levels with Pancreatitis
When a person has pancreatitis, the levels of amylase, lipase, and PP in the blood can be significantly elevated. The levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the CBC can also be elevated with pancreatitis. Elevated liver function tests may also be seen in some cases of pancreatitis.
Conclusion
Pancreatitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can cause a variety of symptoms. When a person has pancreatitis, certain blood tests can be used to diagnose the condition and monitor its progression. The most commonly used blood tests for pancreatitis are amylase and lipase. Other blood tests that may be used to diagnose pancreatitis include a CBC, LFTs, and PP. When a person has pancreatitis, the levels of amylase, lipase, and PP in the blood can be significantly elevated. Elevated levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the CBC can also be seen. Elevated liver function tests may also be seen in some cases.
