Chymotrypsin in Stool
Reviewed
Also called: Fecal chymotrypsin, Trypsin and chymotrypsin stool test
This test measures the amount of chymotrypsin in a stool (poop) sample.
Specimen: Stool (fresh loose or liquid sample)
Why this test may be ordered
- To check for pancreatic insufficiency
- To help diagnose conditions such as pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis
- To help diagnose the cause of malnutrition
Preparation and collection
You may need to stop taking certain medicines before this test, such as if you are taking pancreatic enzymes, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.
You will need to provide a fresh sample of loose or liquid stool for your test. Your provider will probably give you a container or kit with instructions on how to collect the sample. There are different ways to collect the stool samples so follow the instructions carefully.
There is no known risk to having a stool test.
Understanding results
Your results will show the amount of chymotrypsin in your stool. Your results may also include the amount of trypsin found.
- Positive (normal amount): A positive result means that your stool sample shows a normal amount of chymotrypsin and, if it was tested for, trypsin. Limitation: Return the container according to the instructions. This is important to get an accurate test result. Next step: If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- Negative (below normal): A negative result means that the amount of chymotrypsin and/or trypsin in your stool sample is below normal. It may mean that you have pancreatic insufficiency. Limitation: If you have a negative result, this doesn't diagnose any specific disorders by itself. Next step: Your provider will need to order more tests. These may include the following, which measure different pancreatic enzymes: Stool elastase Lipase blood test Amylase blood test
- A negative result does not diagnose any specific disorder by itself; it only suggests possible pancreatic insufficiency.
- The test may be affected by certain medications, such as pancreatic enzyme supplements.
- Results must be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
- The test may not detect all cases of pancreatic insufficiency; additional tests may be needed.
What to do next
If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- What symptoms led to this test being ordered?
- Are there any medications I should stop before the test?
- How should I collect and store the stool sample?
- What do my results mean for my health?
- What follow-up tests might be needed?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.