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Pancreatic Secretion Analysis – Pancreatic Function Test

Pancreatic secretion analysis is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates exocrine pancreatic function by examining the composition of pancreatic juice collected from the duodenum.

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Things worth knowing about "Pancreatic Secretion Analysis"

Pancreatic secretion analysis is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates exocrine pancreatic function by examining the composition of pancreatic juice collected from the duodenum.

What Is Pancreatic Secretion Analysis?

Pancreatic secretion analysis is a specialized diagnostic test used to assess the exocrine function of the pancreas – that is, the ability of the pancreas to produce and secrete digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine. The pancreas produces up to two liters of digestive juice per day, and analyzing this secretion directly provides valuable insight into the health and functional capacity of the organ.

When Is Pancreatic Secretion Analysis Used?

This test is primarily indicated when exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is suspected – a condition in which the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes. Common indications include:

Suspected chronic pancreatitis
Unexplained fatty stools (steatorrhea) or malabsorption
Unintentional weight loss with suspected digestive disorder
Follow-up care after pancreatic surgery
Monitoring of cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis)

How Is the Test Performed?

Tests can be classified as either direct or indirect:

Direct Secretion Tests

In direct tests, pancreatic juice is collected via a tube (probe) inserted through the nose or mouth into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), after stimulating the pancreas with hormones. Key direct tests include:

Secretin-Pancreozymin Test (SPT): Intravenous administration of secretin and cholecystokinin (CCK) stimulates pancreatic secretion. Volume, bicarbonate concentration, and enzyme activities (lipase, amylase, trypsin) are then measured in the collected duodenal fluid. This is considered the gold standard for evaluating exocrine pancreatic function.
Secretin Test: A simplified version using only secretin, primarily used to assess bicarbonate output.

Indirect Tests

Indirect tests assess the consequences of reduced pancreatic secretion without directly collecting the fluid. Examples include the fecal elastase-1 test and the pancreolauryl test. While less invasive, they are generally less sensitive than direct methods.

What Is Measured?

The following parameters are evaluated during pancreatic secretion analysis:

Bicarbonate concentration: Values below 80 mmol/l are considered abnormal and suggest impaired pancreatic function.
Secretion volume: Reduced fluid output may indicate obstruction or glandular atrophy.
Enzyme activities: Lipase, amylase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin are quantified; decreased levels indicate exocrine insufficiency.

Preparation and Procedure

Patients are typically required to fast for at least 12 hours before the test. A thin tube is passed through the nose or mouth into the duodenum. Following hormonal stimulation, multiple secretion samples are collected over approximately 60 to 80 minutes and analyzed in the laboratory. The procedure may be uncomfortable but is generally well tolerated.

Clinical Significance and Interpretation

Pancreatic secretion analysis – particularly the secretin-pancreozymin test – is among the most accurate tests available for evaluating exocrine pancreatic function. It is capable of detecting early-stage insufficiency even before structural changes are visible on ultrasound or CT imaging. Abnormal results may be associated with:

Chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic carcinoma)
Cystic fibrosis
Status after pancreatectomy or partial pancreatic resection

Results are always interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms, laboratory values, and imaging findings by a specialist physician.

References

Dominguez-Munoz JE. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2011; 26 Suppl 2:12-16. PubMed.
Whitcomb DC, Lehman GA, Vasileva G, et al. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy with pancrelipase delayed-release capsules in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2010; 85(6):520-529.
Löhr JM et al. United European Gastroenterology evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of chronic pancreatitis. United European Gastroenterology Journal, 2017; 5(2):153-199.

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