Exocrine Pancreas Testing Flashcards
signs of pancreatitis
acute onset, severe signs of sore abdomen, fever, etc
difference between the endocrine and exocrine portion of the pancreas
endocrine= excretes directly to bloodstream (hormones) from isles of langerhans exocrine= acini cells make amylase, lipase, and trypsin; send to duodenum
what is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and signs ?
insuff. amount enzymes made; gradual onset, less acute signs, not able to digest food, ravenous appetite, lose weight
what amylase does, where is it found
enzyme that breaks down starches and glycogen (carbs), primary source=pancreas, also found in salivary glands and prostate gland
a __x rise in amylase in blood indicates panreatitis
2x
a rise in amylase and lipase may indicate what other than pancreatitis
kidney failure (excreted from body by kidneys)
what lipase does and where it is found
break down long chain fatty acids, pancreas=primary source (also in other tissues)
to test for pancreatitis, test for what enzymes in blood
amylase and lipase (values 2x normal) lipase more specific
what kind of anticoagulant used for amylase and lipase test for pancreatits
serum or heparanized plasma
sample we use to test trypsin levels
fecal sample, test for fecal activity of enzyme
enzyme we look at to test for EPI
trypsin
how much trypsin in feces is abnormal
none is abnormal, it is normally present in feces
how a gelatin digestion tube test is done to test trypsin levels in feces
mix feces solution w gelatin (contains protein), if trypsin is present the gelatin will not solidify
how undigested fecal fat determination is done to help diagnose EPI
fat normally not present in large amounts in stool, stain feces solution w sudan III stain, stains globules of fat, fat in feces= steatorrhea
how undigested fecal starch determination is done to help diagnose EPI
stain feces solution w 2% iodine, iodine+starch=black color, if black means amylase is lacking