Pancreatic Stimulation Test
This test is used to help diagnose pancreatic insufficiency. Pancreatic insufficiency is when the pancreas doesn’t make enough digestive enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for breaking downdown so it can be absorbed by the body. This can lead to failure to thrive, poor weight gain, or weight loss.
The test is performed during an endoscopy (EGD) while the patient is under anesthesia. The patient will be given hormones (secretin) though an IV that will cause the pancreas to secrete fluid. The doctorwill insert the scope through the mouth and into the first part of the small intestine to collect the fluid so that the enzymes can be measured.
