What causes pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is caused by gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct, extremely high triglyceride levels exceeding 1000 mg/dL, chronic alcohol abuse, certain medications, autoimmune conditions, and infections like mumps. Gallstones account for about 40% of cases, while alcohol causes approximately 30% of pancreatitis cases. Other causes include genetic mutations affecting pancreatic enzymes, abdominal trauma, and pancreatic cancer.

What is the best test for pancreatitis?

The Triglycerides test is the most important blood test for pancreatitis because extremely high levels above 1000 mg/dL can directly cause acute pancreatic inflammation. This test identifies a treatable underlying cause that requires immediate intervention. The Calcium, Ionized, Serum test is essential for monitoring dangerous complications, as acute pancreatitis can cause life-threatening low calcium levels due to fat necrosis in the pancreas. The Lipid Panel with Ratios provides comprehensive triglyceride analysis and helps monitor treatment response in patients with lipid-related pancreatitis.

When should I get tested for pancreatitis?

You should get tested if you experience severe upper abdominal pain that radiates to your back, persistent nausea and vomiting, fever, rapid pulse, or tenderness when touching your abdomen. Get tested immediately if you have a history of gallstones, drink alcohol regularly, have known high triglyceride levels, or are taking medications that can affect the pancreas. Testing is also important if you have unexplained weight loss, oily stools, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis causes severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back and worsens after eating. You might experience persistent nausea, vomiting, fever, rapid heartbeat, swollen and tender abdomen, and weight loss. Chronic pancreatitis can cause oily, foul-smelling stools due to poor fat digestion, along with ongoing abdominal pain that comes and goes. Some people develop yellowing of the skin and eyes if the inflamed pancreas blocks the bile duct.

Who is at risk for pancreatitis?

People who drink alcohol heavily, have gallstones, or have triglyceride levels above 1000 mg/dL are at highest risk for pancreatitis. Your risk increases if you smoke, have a family history of pancreatitis, are obese, have diabetes, or have autoimmune conditions. Certain medications including some antibiotics, diuretics, and immunosuppressants can trigger pancreatitis. People with cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, or structural abnormalities of the pancreas also face elevated risk.

What happens if pancreatitis is left untreated?

Untreated pancreatitis can lead to life-threatening complications including infected pancreatic tissue, kidney failure, breathing problems, and diabetes. The inflamed pancreas can develop fluid-filled pockets called pseudocysts that may rupture and cause internal bleeding. Chronic pancreatitis causes permanent damage to insulin-producing cells, leading to diabetes, and destroys enzyme-producing cells, resulting in malnutrition. Severe cases can cause multi-organ failure, shock, and death within days if not treated immediately.

Can pancreatitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Pancreatitis is primarily diagnosed through clinical evaluation and imaging studies like CT scans, but blood tests play a crucial supporting role. Blood tests measure pancreatic enzymes like amylase and lipase, which become extremely elevated during acute pancreatitis attacks. The Triglycerides test identifies high lipid levels as a potential cause, while the Calcium, Ionized, Serum test monitors dangerous complications. Blood work also assesses liver function, white blood cell count, and other markers that help determine the severity and underlying causes of pancreatitis.

How is pancreatitis treated?

Acute pancreatitis is treated with hospital care including fasting to rest the pancreas, intravenous fluids, pain medications, and nutritional support through feeding tubes if needed. If gallstones caused the pancreatitis, surgery to remove the gallbladder prevents future attacks. Extremely high triglyceride levels are lowered with medications like fibrates or omega-3 fatty acids, while alcohol-related pancreatitis requires complete alcohol cessation. Chronic pancreatitis treatment includes pancreatic enzyme supplements, insulin for diabetes, pain management, and dietary modifications to reduce fat intake.

How can I prevent pancreatitis?

You can prevent pancreatitis by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining healthy triglyceride levels below 150 mg/dL through diet and medication if needed, and eating a low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you have gallstones, discuss removal with your doctor to prevent gallstone pancreatitis. Regular monitoring of triglyceride levels and prompt treatment of elevated levels significantly reduces your risk of developing acute pancreatitis.

What can I do at home for pancreatitis?

At home, eat small, frequent meals that are low in fat to reduce the workload on your pancreas, and avoid alcohol completely as it worsens inflammation. Stay well-hydrated with water and clear liquids, and take prescribed pancreatic enzyme supplements with meals to aid digestion. Apply a heating pad to your abdomen for pain relief, avoid smoking, and eat antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts. If you have chronic pancreatitis, work with a nutritionist to ensure adequate calorie and nutrient intake while managing fat intolerance.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Pancreatitis Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Pancreatitis Blood Test

What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin. It is caused by factors such as gallstones, extremely high triglyceride levels exceeding 1000 mg/dL, alcohol abuse, certain medications, and infections like mumps. The Triglycerides test is the most important test for identifying lipid-related pancreatitis because extremely high levels can directly trigger acute pancreatic inflammation.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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