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Secretin stimulation test
Secretin stimulation test

Secretin stimulation test
Definition:
A test that measures the ability of the pancreas to respond to secretin.
How the test is performed:

A tube is passed through the nose into the stomach then into the duodenum. Secretin is administered and the contents of the duodenal secretions are aspirated and analyzed over a period of about 2 hours.
How to prepare for the test:

Fast for 12 hours prior to the test.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:

The tube may produce gagging during placement.
Why the test is performed:

The test is performed to evaluate pancreatic function. People with diseases involving the pancreas (for example chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer) may have abnormal pancreatic function.

People with cystic fibrosis form mucous plugs that can obstruct the pancreatic ducts that empty into the small intestines. These plugs prevent neutralization of the food acidity, which ultimately reduces the ability to digest and absorb foods.
Normal Values:
  • Volume: 107-223 ml/h
  • Bicarbonate: 90 to 130 mEq/L
  • Amylase: 174-1270 U/h

Note: ml/h = milliliters per hour; mEq/L = milliequivalents per liter; U/h = units per kilogram.
What abnormal results mean:
Abnormal values may indicate cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis.
What the risks are:

Risks are associated with placement of the tube. There is a very small risk of the tube being placed into the bronchi (lungs) rather than the stomach, however, correct placement of the tube is verified prior to performing the test.
Special considerations:

Secretin is a hormone secreted by the small intestines in the presence of partially digested food from the stomach; this hormone normally stimulates the pancreas to secrete a fluid with a high concentration of bicarbonate. This fluid neutralizes the acidity from the stomach that is necessary for a number of enzymes to function in the breakdown and absorption of food.
Review Date: 6/3/2001
Reviewed By: Janak Shah, M.D., Department of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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