Pancreatic Cancer

The CA 19-9 Test measures levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in blood, a tumor marker often elevated in pancreatic cancer and sometimes in bile duct, colorectal, or liver cancers. While not used alone for diagnosis, it helps monitor treatment, track disease progression, and detect recurrence. Elevated CA 19-9 may also occur in noncancerous conditions. Doctors use this test to support cancer management and guide therapy decisions.

The CEA Test measures carcinoembryonic antigen levels in blood, a protein that may be elevated in certain cancers, especially colorectal, pancreatic, lung, breast, or ovarian cancer. It is not used alone for diagnosis but helps monitor cancer treatment, detect recurrence, and track disease progression. Elevated CEA can also occur in noncancerous conditions. Doctors use this test to support therapy decisions and provide insight into cancer management.

The Amylase Test measures amylase enzyme levels in blood to evaluate pancreatic and digestive health. Elevated amylase may indicate pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, intestinal blockage, or salivary gland disorders, while low levels may suggest chronic pancreatitis or liver damage. Doctors order this test to investigate abdominal pain, nausea, or fever. Results provide vital insight into pancreatic function, digestive disorders, and overall metabolic health.

The Lipase Test measures levels of lipase, an enzyme made by the pancreas that helps digest fats. Elevated lipase may indicate acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder disease, kidney failure, or bowel obstruction. Doctors order this test to investigate severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting and to monitor pancreatic disorders. Results provide vital insight into digestive health, pancreatic function, and overall gastrointestinal balance.

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

The Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Test is a comprehensive blood test that checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential analyzes types of white blood cells to detect infections, anemia, clotting abnormalities, immune conditions, and certain cancers. This essential test is often ordered for routine health exams, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.

The Albumin Test measures albumin, the main protein made by the liver that maintains fluid balance and transports hormones, vitamins, and medications. Low albumin may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation, while high levels may reflect dehydration. Doctors order this test to evaluate swelling, fatigue, or abnormal labs. Results provide key insight into nutritional status, liver and kidney function, and overall metabolic health.

The ALP Test measures alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels in blood to evaluate liver, bone, and bile duct health. High ALP may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, bone disorders, or certain cancers, while low levels may suggest malnutrition or deficiency. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, or bone pain and often pair it with other liver function tests. Results provide key insight into metabolic and organ health.

The Alpha-1 Antitrypsin 24 Hour Feces Test measures levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin in stool to evaluate protein loss through the gastrointestinal tract. Elevated results indicate protein-losing enteropathy, a condition where proteins leak into the intestines. This test provides valuable insight into unexplained edema, malnutrition, or chronic diarrhea, helping clinicians assess digestive health and guide evaluation of protein metabolism.

The ALT Test measures alanine aminotransferase, an enzyme mainly found in the liver. Elevated ALT may indicate liver damage from hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, alcohol use, or medication effects. Doctors order this test to evaluate symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, or jaundice and often pair it with AST for accurate liver assessment. Results provide essential insight into liver health, enzyme activity, and overall metabolic function.

The AST Test measures aspartate aminotransferase, an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscles, and other tissues. Elevated AST may indicate liver disease, heart attack, muscle injury, or other organ damage. Doctors order this test to evaluate symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or jaundice and often pair it with ALT for accurate liver assessment. Results provide key insight into liver function, muscle health, and overall metabolic balance.

The Bilirubin Direct Test measures conjugated bilirubin in the blood to assess liver function and bile duct health. Elevated levels may indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, or bile duct obstruction, while low levels are generally normal. Doctors order this test for patients with jaundice, fatigue, or suspected liver disease. Results help diagnose and monitor liver disorders, guide treatment decisions, and evaluate overall hepatic and biliary health.

The Fractionated Bilirubin Test separates total bilirubin into direct and indirect forms to assess liver and blood health. Elevated direct bilirubin may point to hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction, while elevated indirect levels can signal hemolytic anemia or inherited disorders. Doctors order this test for jaundice, anemia, or suspected liver conditions. Results help guide diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of liver and blood disorders.

The Chromogranin A Test measures levels of chromogranin A, a protein often elevated in neuroendocrine tumors. It helps doctors monitor tumor presence, treatment response, and recurrence. Elevated results may also occur with conditions such as chronic atrophic gastritis, inflammatory diseases, or use of proton pump inhibitors. Combined with imaging and other tumor markers, this test supports the diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine disorders.

The Galectin-3 Test measures levels of galectin-3, a biomarker linked to heart failure, cardiac fibrosis, and inflammation. Elevated results may indicate worsening heart disease, increased risk of hospitalization, or progression of chronic conditions. Doctors use this blood test to assess heart health, guide treatment decisions, and monitor patients with heart failure, offering valuable insight into long-term cardiovascular risk and management.

The Glucagon Test evaluates hormone levels that regulate glucose by stimulating the liver to release stored sugar. Elevated or low glucagon may indicate diabetes, hypoglycemia, metabolic disorders, or pancreatic disease. This test provides insight into endocrine activity, glucose balance, and systemic health conditions related to energy metabolism and hormonal function.

The Hepatic Function Panel Test measures liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin to assess liver health and function. It includes ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, total protein, and bilirubin levels. Abnormal results may indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, or bile duct problems. Doctors use this test to investigate jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, or fatigue and to monitor liver disease, alcohol use, or medication side effects affecting liver function.

The Liver Function Panel, also known as a Hepatic Function Panel, measures proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin to assess liver health and function. It helps detect liver disease, monitor liver conditions, and evaluate the effects of medications or other factors on liver performance.

The Pancreatic Polypeptide Test measures pancreatic polypeptide levels in blood to evaluate pancreatic endocrine function. Elevated results may occur with pancreatic tumors, endocrine disorders, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. This test helps assess abnormal hormone secretion, monitor suspected neuroendocrine tumors, and provide clinical insight into metabolic and gastrointestinal regulation.

The Protein Total Serum Test evaluates total protein concentration, reflecting both albumin and globulin, which play key roles in immune response, liver function, and nutrient transport. Abnormal findings may signal malnutrition, kidney or liver disease, or chronic inflammatory conditions. This test aids in assessing protein metabolism, systemic health, and overall physiological balance.

The Reducing Substances Stool Test measures sugars in stool to assess carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Elevated levels can point to lactose intolerance, hereditary enzyme deficiencies, or gastrointestinal conditions affecting nutrient breakdown. By identifying unabsorbed carbohydrates, this test helps clinicians evaluate chronic diarrhea, bloating, abdominal discomfort, or pediatric feeding problems, offering valuable information about intestinal and metabolic health.