Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency - contd.
The key diagnostic test for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is called the serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity test, or TLI. The affected animal's blood sample for this test should be drawn after at least a twelve-hour fast. A low value on this test, accompanied by symptoms consistent with EPI, virtually confirms the diagnosis.
Routine bloodwork and other laboratory tests may help establish the diagnosis of concurrent diseases, but are generally not helpful in diagnosing exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
per se. Mild liver enzyme changes, and low serum cholesterol levels may be seen with EPI, but other significant test findings indicate clinical processes other than, or in addition to, EPI.
