Pancreas & Digestion
Pancreatic enzymes and stomach and gut markers measured in blood.
7 tests explained
Common follow-up tests
- Amylase, TotalAn enzyme made mostly by the pancreas and salivary glands. It is checked in the blood when belly pain or other symptoms may involve the pancreas.
- Calprotectin, FecalA protein released by white blood cells into the gut. Higher levels in a stool sample can be a sign of inflammation in the intestines.
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)A stool test that looks for tiny amounts of blood you cannot see. It is used in routine bowel cancer checks and when bleeding in the gut is suspected.
- GastrinA stomach hormone that tells the stomach to make acid. The blood test is done after fasting and is read alongside acid-reducing medicines and other results.
- H. pylori Antibody, IgGA blood test for antibodies to H. pylori, a common stomach bacterium. A positive result can reflect a past infection, not only a current one.
- H. pylori Stool AntigenA stool test that looks for H. pylori proteins and shows an active infection. Recent antibiotics, acid reducers or bismuth can hide a true infection.
- LipaseAn enzyme from the pancreas that helps digest fat. It is checked in the blood when belly pain may involve the pancreas, and it is more specific than amylase.