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Pancreatic antibody test for people with digestive issues and unexplained weight changes

Blood Test for Digestive Issues and Crohn's Disease

Pancreatic Exocrine Cell Antibody

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Pinpoint the cause of digestive issues
  • Reveal underlying pancreatic health concerns
  • Clarify unexplained weight loss or gain
First results as soon as overnight*

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing persistent digestive problems like chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss that could be related to Crohn's disease. It helps identify a specific antibody marker that indicates inflammation in your pancreatic exocrine cells, which is found in about 30-50% of people with Crohn's disease. Many people use this test when other inflammatory bowel disease markers come back negative but symptoms persist, as it can detect a unique subgroup of Crohn's patients.

What's included in this test?

Pancreatic Exocrine Cell Antibody

This test measures Pancreatic Exocrine Cell Antibodies (ExPA), which are highly specific markers for Crohn's disease. These antibodies can help identify a subgroup of inflammatory bowel disease patients who may test negative for other common markers like ASCA, making this test particularly valuable when used alongside other IBD testing for a complete diagnostic picture.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your pancreatic antibody levels mean for your digestive health and whether they suggest Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel conditions. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary modifications, inflammation management strategies, or whether you should follow up with a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your antibody levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful if you're managing chronic digestive conditions.

Who should consider getting this test?
This test is ideal for people experiencing chronic digestive symptoms like persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss who suspect Crohn's disease. It's especially useful if you've already tested negative for other inflammatory bowel disease markers but symptoms continue, or if you have a family history of Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Your gastroenterologist may also recommend this as part of a comprehensive IBD workup.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common symptoms that may warrant this test include chronic or recurring diarrhea lasting several weeks, persistent abdominal cramping or pain, unexplained weight loss despite normal eating, and fatigue related to poor nutrient absorption. Other signs include blood in your stool, reduced appetite, and feeling like your bowel doesn't empty completely. If you're experiencing multiple digestive issues that disrupt your daily life, this test can help identify underlying inflammatory bowel conditions.
How can I naturally support my digestive health with Crohn's disease?
Managing Crohn's symptoms often involves identifying and avoiding trigger foods, which commonly include dairy, high-fiber raw vegetables, spicy foods, and caffeine. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and staying well-hydrated can reduce digestive stress. Stress management through meditation, yoga, or counseling is important since stress can trigger flare-ups. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and probiotics may help reduce inflammation, though you should discuss supplements with your doctor.
What is Crohn's disease and why does it matter?
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation anywhere in your digestive tract, most commonly in the small intestine and colon. It matters because untreated inflammation can lead to serious complications like malnutrition, severe abdominal pain, intestinal blockages, and reduced quality of life. Early detection and proper management can help control symptoms, prevent complications, and allow most people to live full, active lives.
What does a positive result for pancreatic exocrine cell antibodies mean?
A positive result means that antibodies against your pancreatic exocrine cells were detected in your blood, which is a highly specific marker for Crohn's disease. This doesn't automatically mean you have Crohn's, but it indicates significant inflammation and warrants further evaluation by a gastroenterologist. Your doctor will likely combine this result with other tests, imaging studies, and your symptom history to make a definitive diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
What causes pancreatic exocrine cell antibodies to develop?
These antibodies develop when your immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in your pancreas that produce digestive enzymes, which is part of the autoimmune inflammatory process seen in Crohn's disease. The exact trigger isn't fully understood, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and an abnormal immune response to normal gut bacteria. This antibody development is part of the broader inflammatory process characteristic of inflammatory bowel diseases.
How often should I retest for pancreatic exocrine cell antibodies?
If you're diagnosed with Crohn's disease, your doctor will likely monitor your condition using other markers and clinical symptoms rather than repeatedly testing for these antibodies, since antibody levels don't necessarily reflect disease activity. However, if your initial test was negative but symptoms persist or worsen, retesting in 6-12 months may be appropriate. The frequency of monitoring should be determined by your gastroenterologist based on your individual treatment plan and symptom progression.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at [email protected]. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

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Demo results
Pancreatic Exocrine Cell Antibody Negative
Demo results
Negative Positive
Negative

What this means

Your test came back negative, meaning no antibodies against pancreatic exocrine cells were detected in your blood. This makes Crohn's disease less likely as the cause of your digestive symptoms, though other conditions should still be explored if symptoms persist.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
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Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Blood Test for Digestive Issues and Crohn's Disease

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Pinpoint the cause of digestive issues
  • Reveal underlying pancreatic health concerns
  • Clarify unexplained weight loss or gain

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Google reviews 3138 reviews Next
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.