Chymotrypsin, Stool

Test Code

CHYM

Quest Code

11235

CPT Codes
84311

Preferred Specimen

1 g random stool in a sterile leak-proof container

Patient Preparation
Patients receiving pancreatic enzymes should discontinue taking the enzymes at least 5 days before the collection of the stool sample

Minimum Volume

0.5 g

Transport Container

Sterile screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Received room temperature

Methodology
Enzymatic/Spectrophotometric

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Wed

Report Available

8 days

Reference Range

2.3-51.4 U/g

Clinical Significance

The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis depends upon the demonstration of functional impairment of the pancreas. Impairment is determined by several means, two of which are:
1. Direct measurement of exocrine secretion into the duodenum after stimulation by a standard meal or after stimulation by intravenous secretin/pancreozymin.
2. The direct measurement of the activities of certain enzymes in feces. Chymotrypsin activity in stool, for example, has been shown to be lower than normal in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA

33608 Ortega Highway

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.