Trypsinogen is a substance that is normally produced in the pancreas and released into the small intestine. Trypsinogen is converted to trypsin. Then it starts the process needed to break down proteins into their building blocks (called amino acids).
A test can be done to measure the amount of trypsinogen in your blood.
Serum trypsin; Trypsin-like immunoreactivity; Serum trypsinogen; Immunoreactive trypsin
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is taken from a vein
. The blood sample is sent to a lab for testing.
How to Prepare for the Test
There are no special preparations.
How the Test will Feel
You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted to draw blood. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to detect diseases of the pancreas.
The test is also used to screen newborn babies for cystic fibrosis.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Increased levels of trypsinogen may be due to:
Low or normal levels may be seen in chronic pancreatitis
Veins and arteries vary in size so it may be harder to get a blood sample from one person than another. Other slight risks from having blood drawn may include:
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Other tests used to detect pancreas diseases may include:
Forsmark CE. Chronic pancreatitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisinger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 59.
Tenner S, Steinberg WM. Acute pancreatitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisinger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 58.
George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.