Ulta Lab Tests

Pancreatic Comprehensive Assessment Panel

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Amylase

Also known as: CA 125 Tumor Marker, CA-125, Cancer Antigen 125, OC125, Ovarian Antigen

Ca 125

The Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) test measures the amount of CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is a protein that is present on the surface of most, but not all, ovarian cancer cells. This makes the test useful as a tumor marker in specific circumstances. Significantly elevated concentrations of CA-125 may be present in the blood of a woman who has ovarian cancer. Small quantities of CA-125 are produced by normal tissues throughout the body and by some other cancers. Levels in the blood may be moderately elevated with a variety of non-cancerous conditions, including menstruation, pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Also known as: CA 199, Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9

Ca 19-9

Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a protein that exists on the surface of certain cancer cells. CA 19-9 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer. CA 19-9 is elevated in 70% to 95% of people with advanced pancreatic cancer, but it may also be elevated in other cancers, conditions, and diseases such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gallbladder cancer, bile duct obstruction (e.g., gallstones), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease. Small amounts of CA 19-9 are present in the blood of healthy people.

Also known as: CBC, CBC includes Differential and Platelets, CBC/PLT w/DIFF, Complete Blood Count (includes Differential and Platelets)

NOTE: Ulta Lab Tests provides CBC test results from Quest Diagnostics as they are reported. Often, different biomarker results are made available at different time intervals. When reporting the results, Ulta Lab Tests denotes those biomarkers not yet reported as 'pending' for every biomarker the test might report. Only biomarkers Quest Diagnostics observes are incorporated and represented in the final CBC test results provided by Ulta Lab Tests.

Absolute Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Absolute Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Absolute Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Eosinophils

Eosinophils (eos) respond to infections caused by parasites and play a role in allergic reactions (hypersensitivities)

Absolute Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Absolute Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

Absolute Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Neutrophils

Neutrophils (neu) normally make up the largest number of circulating WBCs. They move into an area of damaged or infected tissue, where they engulf and destroy bacteria or sometimes fungi. Young neutrophils, recently released into circulation, are called bands.

Absolute Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Absolute Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils are specialized white blood cells produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream, where they normally make up only 0–6 % of circulating leukocytes. Their cytoplasm is packed with reddish‑orange granules that contain potent enzymes (e.g., major basic protein, eosinophil cationic protein) and inflammatory mediators. When the immune system detects large, multicellular invaders—such as helminth (worm) parasites—eosinophils migrate out of the blood and surround the pathogen, releasing these granule contents to damage the parasite’s outer surface and aid its destruction. Beyond parasite defense, eosinophils act as key orchestras of the allergic response. They accumulate in tissues exposed to allergens (airways in asthma, skin in eczema, GI tract in eosinophilic esophagitis) and secrete cytokines and lipid mediators that amplify inflammation, recruit additional immune cells, and contribute to symptoms like swelling, mucus production, and itching. Because of this pro‑inflammatory role, persistently elevated eosinophil counts—termed eosinophilia—can signal allergic disorders, drug hypersensitivity, or certain autoimmune and malignant conditions. Conversely, counts drop toward zero after glucocorticoid therapy or in acute stress states, reflecting the cells’ sensitivity to hormonal and immune regulation.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of the volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells. This measurement depends on the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

Serum hemoglobin is a blood test that measures the level of free hemoglobin in the liquid part of the blood (the serum). Free hemoglobin is the hemoglobin outside of the red blood cells. Most of the hemoglobin is found inside the red blood cells, not in the serum.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

MCH

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is a calculation of the average amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside a red blood cell.

MCHC

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a calculation of the average percentage of hemoglobin inside a red cell.

MCV

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of RBCs.

Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

MPV

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) - When it indicates average size of platelets are small; older platelets are generally smaller than younger ones and a low MPV may mean that a condition is affecting the production of platelets by the bone marrow. When it indicates a high number of larger, younger platelets in the blood; this may be due to the bone marrow producing and releasing platelets rapidly into circulation.

Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed.

Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Platelet Count

A platelet count is a test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets help the blood clot. They are smaller than red or white blood cells.

Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

RDW

Red cell distribution width (RDW), which may be included in a CBC, is a calculation of the variation in the size of RBCs.

Reactive Lymphocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Red Blood Cell Count

An RBC count is a blood test that tells how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues get depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work.

White Blood Cell Count

A WBC count is a test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. WBCs help fight infections. They are also called leukocytes. There are five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), monocytes and neutrophils

Also known as: Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Cea

The CEA test measures the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood. CEA is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby in the womb. The blood level of this protein disappears or becomes very low after birth. In adults, an abnormal level of CEA may be a sign of cancer.

CHROMOGRANIN A, LC/MS/MS

Also known as: Chem 12, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP, SMA 12, SMA 20

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

GFR-AFRICAN AMERICAN

GFR-NON AFRICAN AMERICAN

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

Gastrin

Glucagon

Also known as: Insulin (fasting)

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. It is vital for the transportation and storage of glucose at the cellular level, helps regulate blood glucose levels, and has a role in lipid metabolism. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, insulin is released to allow glucose to move into tissue cells, especially muscle and adipose (fat) cells, where is it is used for energy production. Insulin then prompts the liver to either store the remaining excess blood glucose as glycogen for short-term energy storage and/or to use it to produce fatty acids. The fatty acids are eventually used by adipose tissue to synthesize triglycerides to form the basis of a longer term, more concentrated form of energy storage. Without insulin, glucose cannot reach most of the body's cells. Without glucose, the cells starve and blood glucose levels rise to unhealthy levels. This can cause disturbances in normal metabolic processes that result in various disorders, including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and vision and neurological problems. Thus, diabetes, a disorder associated with decreased insulin effects, is eventually a life-threatening condition.

Also known as: LPS

Lipase

Also known as: Lipid Panel with Ratios (fasting), Lipid Profile with Ratios (fasting), Lipids

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

LDL-Cholesterol

LDL/HDL Ratio

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Also known as: Pancreatic Elastase1

Pancreatic Elastase-1

PANCREATIC POLYPEPTIDE,

Proinsulin

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The Pancreatic Comprehensive Assessment Panel panel contains 16 tests with 73 biomarkers .

Overview of the Pancreatic Comprehensive Assessment Panel

The Pancreatic Comprehensive Assessment Panel is a robust diagnostic tool designed to evaluate the full spectrum of pancreatic health, including exocrine and endocrine function, tumor marker activity, and neuroendocrine hormone secretion. It integrates digestive enzyme analysis, metabolic and hematologic profiles, cancer surveillance markers, and specialized neuroendocrine hormones. This panel is particularly useful for detecting both benign and malignant pancreatic disorders, assessing hormone-secreting tumors, evaluating pancreatic enzyme sufficiency, and providing insights into systemic effects related to pancreatic disease. Its comprehensive nature allows clinicians to investigate a wide range of symptoms and conditions with one coordinated panel.

When and Why the Pancreatic Comprehensive Assessment Panel May Be Ordered

This panel may be ordered when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic dysfunction or disease, such as persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, chronic diarrhea, steatorrhea, new-onset diabetes, or recurrent hypoglycemia. It is also indicated for individuals with a personal or family history of pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, or genetic syndromes such as MEN1 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1), which predispose to neuroendocrine tumors. Additionally, this panel is useful in monitoring patients undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, functional neuroendocrine tumors, or chronic pancreatic insufficiency, and in evaluating unexplained gastrointestinal or metabolic symptoms.

What the Pancreatic Comprehensive Assessment Panel Checks For

The panel evaluates three critical domains of pancreatic health: enzyme production and exocrine function, tumor marker activity, and endocrine hormone regulation. Each marker provides valuable information that helps clinicians understand the pancreas's structure, secretory function, and involvement in malignancy or systemic disease.

Exocrine Function and Digestive Enzymes
Markers like amylase, lipase, and pancreatic elastase-1 assess the digestive role of the pancreas. Elevated amylase and lipase are typically associated with acute pancreatic inflammation, while low pancreatic elastase-1 is a hallmark of chronic exocrine insufficiency.

Endocrine Hormones and Neuroendocrine Activity
Hormones such as insulin, proinsulin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide, gastrin, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) reflect the activity of islet and neuroendocrine cells. Abnormal elevations of these hormones are associated with functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), each producing a distinct clinical syndrome.

Tumor Markers and Oncologic Surveillance
CA 19-9, CEA, CA 125, and chromogranin A are tumor markers associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors. CA 19-9 is the most specific for pancreatic ductal cancer, while CEA and CA 125 provide supportive data for cancer detection and progression. Chromogranin A is an essential marker for neuroendocrine tumor activity.

Metabolic and Hematologic Panels
The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), complete blood count (CBC), and lipid panel assess systemic impacts, including liver function, nutritional status, blood sugar control, anemia, infection, and lipid abnormalities. These are often altered in pancreatic diseases and related systemic conditions.

Conditions and Diseases the Pancreatic Comprehensive Assessment Panel Can Detect

This panel allows for the detection and evaluation of a wide range of conditions, including acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), and metabolic disorders linked to pancreatic dysfunction.

Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition often triggered by gallstones, alcohol, or hypertriglyceridemia. It presents with sudden abdominal pain, nausea, and elevated amylase and lipase. This panel confirms the diagnosis and evaluates metabolic disturbances, such as elevated glucose or liver enzymes, through the CMP.

Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic inflammation leads to progressive destruction of pancreatic tissue, causing digestive enzyme deficiency and diabetes. Low pancreatic elastase-1 indicates exocrine insufficiency, while mild elevations in amylase or lipase may persist. The CMP, lipid panel, and CBC help assess systemic impact and complications.

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a deadly cancer with few early signs. CA 19-9 is a sensitive tumor marker for this cancer, and CEA and CA 125 may also be elevated. The CBC and CMP help assess the disease burden and treatment tolerance. This panel provides a comprehensive tool for early detection and post-treatment surveillance.

Functional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PanNETs)
PanNETs are rare tumors that secrete hormones like insulin, glucagon, gastrin, VIP, or pancreatic polypeptide. These tumors can cause severe endocrine syndromes:

  • Insulinoma causes hypoglycemia, confirmed by elevated insulin and proinsulin during low glucose levels.

  • Gastrinoma leads to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, marked by excessive gastrin and gastric acid production, causing ulcers and diarrhea.

  • Glucagonoma produces glucagon, causing diabetes, weight loss, and skin rashes.

  • VIPoma secretes VIP, causing profuse watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis.

  • PPoma is often clinically silent but detectable via elevated pancreatic polypeptide levels.

Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency
This condition occurs when digestive enzyme output falls below normal, usually from chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or advanced pancreatic cancer. Low pancreatic elastase-1, along with abnormal CMP and CBC values, supports the diagnosis and guides enzyme replacement therapy.

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders
Pancreatic dysfunction often disrupts glucose metabolism and lipid levels. Elevated glucose may suggest diabetes, while abnormal lipids (especially triglycerides) are a risk factor for pancreatitis. The CMP and lipid panel help manage these complications.

How a Healthcare Professional Uses the Pancreatic Comprehensive Assessment Panel Results

Acute Pancreatitis
Elevated amylase and lipase confirm diagnosis, and the CMP is used to monitor electrolyte imbalances and kidney function. CBC provides inflammatory markers such as leukocytosis. These values guide hospitalization, fluid management, and imaging decisions.

Chronic Pancreatitis
Low pancreatic elastase-1 and enzyme patterns confirm exocrine insufficiency. Ongoing CMP and CBC monitoring help manage nutritional deficits, glucose levels, and systemic complications. This guides the use of enzyme supplements and dietary interventions.

Pancreatic Cancer
Tumor marker trends (especially CA 19-9) are used to support diagnosis, monitor response to chemotherapy, and detect recurrence. Elevated CEA or CA 125 further supports malignancy, while chromogranin A can detect neuroendocrine variants. CBC and CMP evaluate general health and organ function.

Functional PanNETs
Each hormone marker helps identify the specific tumor type. For instance, persistently high insulin and proinsulin levels during hypoglycemia confirm insulinoma. Elevated gastrin, glucagon, VIP, or pancreatic polypeptide identifies other PanNET subtypes. Chromogranin A supports the diagnosis and helps track tumor burden. These markers are crucial for diagnosis, imaging decisions, surgical planning, and post-treatment monitoring.

Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency
A low pancreatic elastase-1 level confirms the need for enzyme replacement therapy. Rechecking levels and monitoring symptoms helps optimize dosing. The CMP and CBC identify malnutrition and anemia, guiding supplemental therapy.

Metabolic Disorders
Abnormal glucose and lipid levels prompt further metabolic evaluation. Elevated fasting glucose may indicate diabetes secondary to pancreatic dysfunction, while high triglycerides increase pancreatitis risk. These values inform treatment with diet, medications, or insulin.

Conclusion

The Pancreatic Comprehensive Assessment Panel is a powerful diagnostic and monitoring resource that combines tumor markers, enzyme testing, hormone profiling, and metabolic screening into a single, clinically actionable panel. It provides a complete picture of pancreatic health and function, allowing early detection of malignancy, diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors, identification of enzyme insufficiency, and management of metabolic complications. This panel supports both initial diagnostic workups and long-term surveillance in patients with complex pancreatic conditions, ultimately improving outcomes through timely and targeted interventions.

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