What is Trypsin and Chymotrypsin Test

Trypsin and chymotrypsin test can be used to check the functioning of your pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland that is located behind your stomach. It produces enzymes that help digest food. Adults and older children may have this test to check for pancreatic disease (pancreatic insufficiency). The test may be done on infants to check for cystic fibrosis.

Your health care provider may order this test if you have symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea.
• Greasy stools (feces).
• Stools that smell worse than usual.
• Weight loss.
• Vitamin deficiencies.

What is being tested?

This test checks your stool (feces) for two enzymes: trypsin and chymotrypsin. These enzymes are made in the pancreas. Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body. These two enzymes break down other proteins in your diet.

If your pancreas is working properly, trypsin and chymotrypsin should be found in your stool sample. If your pancreas is not working well, these enzymes may not be found in your stool. Cystic fibrosis is one reason for not having these enzymes in your stool sample. Cystic fibrosis is a disease that produces thick, sticky mucus that can block pancreatic ducts.

Sometimes trypsin and chymotrypsin levels are tested on fluids obtained from the stomach and small intestines.

What kind of sample is taken?

A stool sample is required for this test.

If stomach fluids are being tested, a procedure will be done to collect these fluids by passing a tube into your stomach and small intestines. Talk to your health care provider about how this is done.

How do I collect samples at home?

You may be asked to collect a stool sample at home. Follow instructions from a health care provider about how to collect the sample.

When collecting a stool sample at home, make sure you:

• Use supplies and instructions that you received from the lab.
• Have a bowel movement directly into a clean, dry container. Do not collect stool from the water in the toilet.
• Transfer the sample into the germ-free (sterile) cup that you received from the lab.
• Do not let any toilet paper or urine get into the cup.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after collecting the sample.
• Return the sample to the lab as instructed.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative.

What do the results mean?

A positive result means that trypsin and chymotrypsin were found in your stool. This is considered normal.

A negative result means that the enzymes were not found in your stool sample. This could signal a problem with your pancreas.

• In adults and older children, many diseases of the pancreas can cause a negative result, such as:
  • Chronic pancreatitis.
  • Celiac disease, which is also called sprue.
  • Cystic fibrosis. The test can verify a diagnosis of the disease.
• In a baby or young child, a negative result could indicate cystic fibrosis.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean. You may need to have more tests.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• A trypsin and chymotrypsin test can be used to check the functioning of your pancreas.
• Adults and older children may have this test to check for pancreatic disease (pancreatic insufficiency). The test may be done on infants to check for cystic fibrosis.
• This test checks for two enzymes called trypsin and chymotrypsin. These enzymes are made in the pancreas.
• A positive result means that trypsin and chymotrypsin were found. This is considered normal. A negative result means that the enzymes were not present. This could signal a problem with your pancreas.