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Pancreatic Health

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The pancreas is a vital organ that plays a central role in both digestion and blood sugar regulation. It produces essential digestive enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as the hormones insulin and glucagon, which maintain stable blood glucose levels. 

Pancreatic disorders often develop silently and may not cause symptoms until substantial damage has occurred. Conditions such as pancreatitis, enzyme deficiencies, cystic fibrosis, or diabetes can present with subtle or non-specific symptoms in the early stages. For this reason, early detection and proactive monitoring are essential to maintain long-term pancreatic and metabolic health.

Your doctor may recommend a Pancreatic Health Test if you experience persistent abdominal pain, particularly after consuming fatty meals, unexplained weight loss, changes in appetite, digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhoea, or oily stools, nausea, vomiting, or fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Early testing is crucial to prevent further pancreatic damage, support digestive function, and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Pancreasdigestive enzyme test
48 hrsresults turnaround
GPled interpretation
UKASaccredited lab

Why a Pancreatic Health test matters

Your pancreas plays a vital role in digestion, producing enzymes that break down the food you eat. When it's inflamed or not working properly, it can cause digestive problems and abdominal discomfort. This test measures two key pancreatic enzymes to give insight into how well your pancreas is functioning.

Results are reviewed and explained by a GP, who'll interpret them alongside your symptoms and advise on any next steps.

What's included in your Pancreatic Health test

Two key pancreatic enzymes.

Enzymes tested
  • Lipase — an enzyme essential for the digestion of fats. Abnormal levels may indicate pancreatic inflammation or dysfunction.
  • Pancreatic Amylase — an enzyme involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates. Deviations from the normal range provide insight into pancreatic performance and digestive health.

What this panel can help investigate

Pancreatic inflammationEnzyme levels that can rise when the pancreas is inflamed.
Fat digestionLipase, central to how your body breaks down fats.
Carbohydrate digestionPancreatic amylase, reflecting carbohydrate breakdown.
Symptom insightHelps make sense of ongoing digestive discomfort.

How it works

Book onlineChoose a time that suits you, or call us. Most checks can be booked online.
Quick blood sampleA short, comfortable appointment at one of our clinical sites — around 15 minutes.
Expert lab analysisYour sample is processed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory.
GP-reviewed resultsWithin 48 hours, a GP reviews and explains your results — with clear, personalised advice.

Is this test right for you?

It's a helpful choice if you have:

Abdominal discomfortOngoing or recurring tummy pain you'd like investigated.
Digestive problemsIssues particularly after fatty or heavy meals.
A known conditionWanting to monitor an existing pancreatic issue.
Unexplained symptomsDigestive symptoms without a clear cause.

Why choose Solasta

GP interpretation, not softwareEvery result is reviewed and explained by an experienced local GP — so you know what it means and what to do next.
Accurate, accredited resultsAnalysed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) for reliable, fast diagnostics.
Continuity of careMore than a one-off test — discreet, unhurried care with ongoing support and follow-up if needed.

What to know before your appointment

Severe symptoms need urgent care

This test is not for emergencies. Sudden, severe abdominal pain — especially with vomiting or fever — needs urgent medical attention. Call 111, contact your GP urgently, or go to A&E.

Fasting may be required

You may be asked to fast before this test, as a recent meal can affect enzyme levels. We'll let you know what's needed when you book.

Avoid alcohol

Please avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your test, as it can affect your pancreatic enzyme levels.

Stay hydrated

Please ensure you are well hydrated prior to your appointment, as being dehydrated may make the blood draw more difficult.

Pancreatic Health FAQs

What does this test measure?
Two key pancreatic enzymes — lipase and pancreatic amylase — which give insight into how well your pancreas is working.
What can it indicate?
Abnormal levels can point to pancreatic inflammation or dysfunction, and offer insight into your digestive health. Your GP will interpret the results alongside your symptoms.
I have severe abdominal pain — should I just book this test?
No. Sudden, severe abdominal pain can be a medical emergency and needs urgent attention — call 111, contact your GP urgently or go to A&E rather than waiting for a routine blood test.
Do I need to fast?
You may be asked to fast, as a recent meal can affect enzyme levels. We'll confirm what's required when you book.
How long do results take?
Results are typically ready within 48 hours of your sample reaching the laboratory, after which a GP reviews and explains them.
Will a doctor explain my results?
Yes. Your results are interpreted by an experienced GP with personalised guidance and any recommended next steps.
How is the sample taken?
A simple blood sample is taken at one of our clinical sites in a short, comfortable appointment of around 15 minutes.

Related checks & services

Liver HealthA comprehensive look at liver enzymes, bile and proteins.
Diabetes HealthHbA1c to assess blood-sugar control.
Well WomanA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Well ManA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Ready to understand your health?
Book your Pancreatic Health test online, or call us — NI 028 40 648 486 · ROI +353 1906 1950.

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