This test measures the amount of chymotrypsin in a stool sample. Chymotrypsin is an enzyme released by the pancreas during digestion. If lower than normal amounts are released, it may mean your pancreas isn't making enough enzymes to digest your food properly. This is known as pancreatic insufficiency .
Pancreatic insufficiency is most often caused by chronic pancreatitis , a swelling of the pancreas. It may also be caused by cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that causes mucus to build up in the lungs and other organs, including the pancreas. People with CF often have trouble absorbing nutrients from food.
Your sample may also be tested for trypsin, an enzyme released by the pancreas along with chymotrypsin.
Other names: fecal chymotrypsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin stool test