Pancreatic insufficiency

Tests

Faecal fat - an increase in fat in the stool is often the first sign of insufficiency
Faecal chymotrypsin - (an enzyme that digests protein): stool chymotrypsin is a screening test to determine whether sufficient amounts of this pancreatic enzyme are reaching the intestine
Faecal pancreatic elastase - this human protein-splitting enzyme can be measured to assess pancreatic insufficiency in patients receiving oral (animal) pancreatic supplements. This is currently the preferred screening test.
Immunoreactive trypsin (IRT) - a serum test that detects obstruction of trypsinogen secretion into the intestine.This is the initial test used as part of a neonatal screen for detecting cystic fibrosis.

Non-laboratory tests

ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography): a flexible scope sometimes used to see and document damage to the pancreas
Secretin test (not widely available): a tube is positioned in the duodenum to collect pancreatic secretions stimulated by intravenous (IV) secretin
MRI/Ultrasound/CT scanning of the pancreas