Description

Gut and digestive health are foundational to overall well-being. A variety of symptoms—such as bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue—can signal an imbalance or disorder within the digestive system. This comprehensive blood panel evaluates biomarkers associated with digestive function, inflammation, infection, and immune response. It also includes markers of liver and kidney health, which play essential roles in metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient absorption.

This panel is helpful in assessing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Helicobacter pylori infection, pancreatic dysfunction, food sensitivities, and more.

Included Biomarkers

Amylase

An enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands that helps digest carbohydrates.

  • Clinical relevance: Elevated amylase levels may indicate pancreatitis, bile duct obstruction, or other pancreatic disorders.

Lipase

Another key digestive enzyme released by the pancreas, lipase helps break down dietary fats.

  • Clinical relevance: Elevated lipase is often a more specific biomarker for acute or chronic pancreatitis than amylase.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

A marker of systemic inflammation produced by the liver.

  • Clinical relevance: Elevated CRP levels can indicate the presence of inflammation, which may be due to conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or GI infections.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Evaluates a wide range of hematologic biomarkers, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

  • Clinical relevance: Helps detect anemia, infection, or chronic inflammation—common findings in IBD, celiac disease, or GI bleeding.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Assesses electrolytes, kidney function, liver enzymes, and glucose metabolism.

  • Clinical relevance: Liver and kidney function are crucial to digestive and metabolic health. Abnormal values can indicate hepatic congestion, dehydration, or malnutrition.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Antibodies

Detects immune response to H. pylori, a bacterium linked to gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer.

  • Clinical relevance: Presence of antibodies suggests active or past infection, which may require further confirmation through breath or stool testing.

Anti-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Antibodies (ASCA) IgG and IgA

ASCA antibodies are often elevated in patients with Crohn's disease.

  • Clinical relevance: These immune biomarkers help differentiate Crohn’s disease from ulcerative colitis and are useful in assessing autoimmune activity within the gut.

Fasting Requirements:

  • Fasting: Not required for this panel.

Purpose of the Panel:

This blood panel is designed to:

  • Evaluate digestive enzyme levels to assess pancreatic function
  • Identify inflammatory markers associated with autoimmune or infectious gastrointestinal disorders
  • Screen for H. pylori infection, a common cause of stomach ulcers
  • Assess organ function related to metabolism and detoxification
  • Support diagnosis and monitoring of chronic conditions such as IBD, pancreatitis, and malabsorption syndromes