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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Secretin stimulation testDefinitionThe secretin stimulation test measures the ability of the pancreas to respond to a hormone called secretin. Secretin is produced by the small intestine when partially digested food has moved into the area from the stomach. Alternative NamesPancreatic function test How the Test is PerformedA tube is inserted through the nose and into the stomach, then into the the first part of the small intestine ( duodenum). Secretin is given through this tube. Then, over the next 2 hours or so, the contents of the material released from the duodenum are removed through the tube. How to Prepare for the TestYou will be asked to not eat or drink anything, including water, for 12 hours prior to the test. How the Test Will FeelYou may experience a gagging sensation as the tube is inserted. Why the Test is PerformedSecretin normally causes the pancreas to release a fluid containing digestive enzymes. These enzymes break down food and help in the absorption of nutrients. The secretin stimulation test is done to check the function of the pancreas in digestion. People with diseases involving the pancreas may have abnormal pancreatic function. Such diseases include chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic cancer. In people with cystic fibrosis, the pancreas may form mucus plugs. These plugs block the ducts that lead from the pancreas into the small intestine. This prevents the food acidity from being neutralized, and ultimately reduces the ability of the body to digest food and absorb nutrients. Normal ResultsNormal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.What Abnormal Results MeanAbnormal values may indicate cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis. RisksThere is a slight risk of the tube being placed through the windpipe and into the lungs, instead of through the esophagus and into the stomach. The health care provider will be sure the tube is correctly placed before continuing with the test. ReferencesJensen RT. Pancreatic endocrine tumors. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 205. Semrad CE, Powell DW. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 143. Review Date: 11/2/2008
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
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