Diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis

Diagnostic Test list for Acute Pancreatitis:

The list of medical tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis includes:

• Physical exam
• Serum amylase
• Serum lipase
• Serum glucose
• Serum calcium
• Serum magnesium
• Serum sodium
• Serum potassium
• Serum bicarbonate
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CAT scan
• See also tests for gallstones

Tests and diagnosis discussion for Acute Pancreatitis:

Besides asking about a person's medical history and doing a physical exam, a doctor will order a blood test to diagnose acute pancreatitis. During acute attacks, the blood contains at least three times more amylase and lipase than usual. Amylase and lipase are digestive enzymes formed in the pancreas. Changes may also occur in blood levels of glucose, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate. After the pancreas improves, these levels usually return to normal.

A doctor may also order an abdominal ultrasound to look for gallstones and a CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan to look for inflammation or destruction of the pancreas. CAT scans are also useful in locating pseudocysts. (Source: excerpt from Pancreatitis: NIDDK)

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