Trypsinogen

Also known as: Trypsin-like immunoreactivity; Serum trypsinogen; IRT

Formal name: Immunoreactive trypsinogen

The Test Sample

What is being tested?

Trypsinogen is a proenzyme, an inactive precursor to the proteolytic enzyme trypsin. Normally, trypsinogen is produced in the pancreas and transported to the small intestine. In the small intestine, it is activated, turned into trypsin by an enzyme in the intestinal mucosa, forming a powerful chemical responsible for breaking down the protein in food into smaller pieces called peptides.

In people with cystic fibrosis, mucous plugs can block the pancreatic ducts that lead into the small intestine, preventing trypsinogen from reaching the intestine and preventing the breakdown of food proteins. Infants are screened using a test called immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT). Those newborns with CF may have elevated levels of IRT in their blood for several months, whereas in normal infants, any temporary false-positive elevations in trypsinogen will usually fall to normal low levels within a few weeks.

In other diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, pancreas tissue damage may cause blockages that prevent trypsinogen from reaching the small intestine. The cells that produce trypsinogen can also become damaged or be destroyed, decreasing the body's supply. Both blockages and cell damage can cause pancreatic insufficiency.

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample is drawn from a newborn's or very young infant's heel, a spot of blood is put onto filter paper, or a blood sample is drawn from a vein in their arm.

NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.

Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

No test preparation is needed.