Chymotrypsin in Stool
Reviewed
This test measures the amount of chymotrypsin, a pancreatic enzyme, in a stool sample. It helps check for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), which can be caused by chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis.
Preparation and collection
You may need to stop taking certain medicines, such as pancreatic enzymes, before this test. Tell your provider about everything you take, but do not stop any medicine unless your provider tells you to.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- 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 a negative result, your provider will likely order additional tests to determine the cause, such as stool elastase, lipase blood test, or amylase blood test. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.