Evaluation of pancreatitis begins with a careful history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with pancreatitis may include:

• Abdominal tenderness
• Jaundice:
• Yellow skin
• Yellow eyes
• Brown urine
• Decreased blood pressure
• Rapid pulse
• Rapid breathing

Testing is required to make the diagnosis of pancreatitis.

Tests that may be used to evaluate pancreatitis include:

• Complete blood count
• Serum amylase
• Serum lipase
• Serum triglycerides
• Serum cholesterol
• Fasting blood glucose
• Glucose tolerance testing
• Kidney profile
• Liver profile
• Serum calcium level
• Urinalysis

Additional tests that may be used to evaluate pancreatitis include:

• Chest x-ray
• Cholangiogram:
• An x-ray test to show the passageways that drain the pancreas
• CT scanning of the abdomen
• MRI scan of the abdomen
• Abdominal ultrasound
• ERCP:
• An endoscopic test that shows the passageways that drain the pancreas
• Laparoscopy
• Pancreatic biopsy