Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose pancreatitis include:

• Blood tests to look for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, along with white blood cells, kidney function and liver enzymes
• Abdominal ultrasound to look for gallstones and pancreas inflammation
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan to look for gallstones and assess the extent of pancreas inflammation
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for abnormalities in the gallbladder, pancreas and ducts
• Endoscopic ultrasound to look for inflammation and blockages in the pancreatic duct or bile duct
• Stool tests in chronic pancreatitis to measure levels of fat that could suggest your digestive system isn't absorbing nutrients adequately

Your doctor may recommend other tests, depending on your particular situation.