1st-order laboratory parameters-obligatory laboratory tests.
- Small blood count
- Differential blood count
- Elastase in the stool (protein-cleaving enzyme of the pancreas) [only meaningful in moderate or severe pancreatic insufficiency].
- Fasting glucose (fasting blood glucose).
- Electrolytes – calcium, potassium and magnesium (hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency) in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency/disease of the pancreas referred to insufficient production of digestive enzymes).
- Fecal fat excretion (pathological: > 7 g/d; in stool collected for three days with defined food intake, with known fat content).
Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Chymotrypsin in the stool
- 25-Hydroxy vitamin D (synonyms: 25(OH)D, 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol, calcidiol) – due todecreased enteral absorption.
- Tumor markers – blood levels that may indicate a malignant tumor; these include CA 19-9 (carbohydrate antigen) and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen).
- CDT (carbohydrate-deficient transferrin) – indicates chronic alcohol consumption.
