Pancreatic Function Test | Pancreatic Enzyme Test

Pancreatic Function Test Panel

Measure the levels of two pancreatic digestive enzymes - amylase and lipase - in your blood. A well-functioning pancreas is important for a healthy digestive system. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

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$89.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

The pancreas is an organ that sits behind the stomach and makes digestive enzymes, including amylase and lipase, which help your body process the food you eat and convert it into energy.

This pancreatic enzymes test measures the levels of amylase and lipase in your blood. Abnormal levels may suggest pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), pancreatic cancer, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, or other conditions including certain eating or alcohol use disorders. Some of these conditions can also lead to pancreatic insufficiency where your body cannot make enough digestive enzymes to break down your food properly. This test may help you and your healthcare provider identify issues before they become problematic or can be used to follow up with issues that have already been determined.

With Quest, you can buy this pancreatic function test online and get testing at a nearby location – no doctor’s visit required.

This test may be right for you if any of the following are true:

You have persistent or recurrent abdominal pain, especially in the upper abdomen
You have symptoms of a pancreatic disorder (see ‘Signs and Symptoms’ section below)
You have a chronic condition that may affect the pancreas such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or pancreatitis, and need to monitor your enzyme levels

This pancreatic enzyme test measures the levels of pancreatic enzymes, amylase and lipase, in your blood.

Amylase is an enzyme that aids in carbohydrate digestion, which helps your body break down starches. Amylase is usually found in small amounts in the blood and urine. When pancreatic cells are injured, or when the pancreatic duct is blocked, the amount of amylase found in the bloodstream and urine increases.

Lipase is an enzyme that helps your body process and digest fats. It is also normal to have a small amount of lipase in your blood, but damage to your pancreas can cause a larger amount of lipase to be released. Lipase levels compared with amylase levels are usually more specific for pancreatic disorders, such as pancreatitis.

High levels of these enzymes may indicate acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or a blockage in the pancreas. Low levels can indicate chronic pancreatitis, liver disease, or cystic fibrosis.

Signs and symptoms of pancreatic issues include:

Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Greasy, foul-smelling stool
Constipation or diarrhea
Gas/bloating
Swollen or tender belly
Pain in your upper abdomen (belly) that may spread to your back, get worse after eating, or last for several days
Fast heartbeat
Jaundice (a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow)

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. This test requires specimen collection at a Quest Diagnostic location or through Quest Mobile™, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection not available in AK, AZ, or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, not available in all locations.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

In-person
In-home sample collection

Buy a lab test

No doctor visit is required for purchase.

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Register your test
& schedule an appointment

Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

Buy a lab test
+ in-home sample collection

No doctor visit required for purchase. If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

Buy now

Register your test
& schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

FAQs

What are enzymes?

An enzyme is a protein that helps to start, or speed up, a reaction in the body.

What is the difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and usually only lasts a short time. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition usually caused by repeatedly having acute pancreatitis. Because of the ongoing inflammation there can be irreversible tissue damage, causing your pancreas to stop working as well over time and to potentially have lasting complications. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency may develop because of pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders. This may be treated with pancreatic enzyme supplementation.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

Healthline. What to Expect from Lipase and Amylase Tests. Accessed February 12, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/health/amylase-and-lipase-tests.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & Facts of Pancreatitis. Accessed February 12, 2025. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/pancreatitis/definition-facts.
Cleveland Clinic. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): Pancreatitis. Accessed February 12, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21577-exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency-epi

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Pancreatic Function Test Panel