Trypsin - faeces
Last updated: Wednesday, 31, March, 2004
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 5 g faeces (random) frozen immediately after collection. |
| Method | Spectrophotometry. Some laboratories may assay chymotrypsin which requires a different substrate. Both are being replaced by specific assays for human pancreatic elastase. |
| Reference Interval | Method dependent. |
| Application | Diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine failure. Assessment of pancreatic enzyme replacement. |
| Interpretation | Faecal trypsin and chymotrypsin are reduced in pancreatic exocrine failure. Malabsorption and decreased faecal enzymes are not usually obvious until >95% of the pancreas has been destroyed. |
| Reference | Gowenlock AH. Ann Clin Biochem 1977; 14: 61-89. |