The PGNL lab provides a panel of specialized functional tests for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
The PGNL plays an integral role with the Division of Gastroenterology by delivering additional diagnostic services in the following areas: CARE (Constipation and Reflux Evaluation) Program, Celiac Disease, Eosinophilic GI Disorders, Gastrointestinal Motility, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program, Obesity, Pancreatic disorders, Tube Feeding Clinic, Liver Disease/Transplantation and Feeding/Swallowing Disorders.
The PGNL is a CLIA certified reference lab for the testing of intestinal disaccharidases (lactase, sucrase, glucoamylase and palatinase), pancreatic enzymes (lipase, trypsin and amylase) and stool alpha-1 antitrypsin.
Vendors sending specimens for testing must be approved and built in Children’s LIS, at which time a requisition template will be provided. New customers should inquire at the contact information below if they are interested in sending samples to Children’s WI PGNL for testing.
Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Laboratory Requisition Form
Recommended Protocol for Pancreatic Stimulation Test
Specimens collected via P catheter inserted through biopsy channel. Each specimen should be >0.5 ml if possible. Specimens should be placed on ice immediately, then frozen and stored at -75oC in an ultra-low freezer until ready to ship.
- Baseline collection (T0).
- Test dose of secretin (0.2 mcg) IV over 1 minute.
- Full dose of ChiRhoStim® (Human Secretin for Injection) (0.2 mcg/kg) and CCK (Kinevac) (0.02 mcg/kg) IV over 1 minute. ChiRhoStim® (Human Secretin for Injection is available from ChiRhoClin, Inc. (301) 476-8388; ChiRhoStim.com
- Specimens collected at 5, 10, 15 minutes following secretin/CCK (T5, T10, T15). We recommend using a duodenal aspiration catheter.
- Each specimen must be at least 0.2 ml.
- We will interpret results when samples are obtained as outlined in this protocol. If the protocol is not followed, we will continue to provide the results of pancreatic enzyme measurements but will be unable to interpret results.
Normal Values for individual pancreatic enzymes*:
- Lipase > 146.0 moles/ml/min.
- Amylase > 32.0 moles/ml/min.
- Trypsin > 55.4 nmoles/ml/min.
*Pancreatic function can only be considered as normal when the pre-stimulated or 1 of the post-stimulated aspirates (usually 5-10 mins) attains respective levels of activity as indicated.
Important Documents
Test Description Overview
Download the Test Description Overview
License and Accreditation Certificates
The Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Laboratory maintains CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certification through CMS (Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services). You may view a current listing of the PGNL's accreditation/licensure below.
ID Numbers
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments Certificate of Compliance
52D0661948
Specimen Transport Guide
Download the Specimen Transport Guide
Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Laboratory
- Medical Director: Lauren Parsons, MD
- Laboratory Supervisor: Emerald Lee
Contact Us
Children’s Wisconsin Laboratory
9000 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Second Floor Center Tower
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Attn: PGNL Laboratory
Phone: (414) 266-2554
Fax: (414)-266-2596
PGNL@childrenswi.org
Hours of Operation
The laboratory is regularly staffed Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Central Standard Time). The laboratory is closed the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday afterward, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Courier Drop Off Directions
Arrive at the front/main entrance of the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin by the valet loop. GPS Address: 8915 W. Connell Ct., Milwaukee, WI 53226. Present to Laboratory Specimen Drop Off on the 2nd Floor, Center Tower and press the silver intercom button to be connected to lab staff inside. State your identification and that you have a specimen to drop off, you will then be buzzed into the specimen drop off area. Ring the doorbell near the drop off window, lab staff will present for you to hand off the specimen. Please ensure the drop off is documented either in the courier’s electronic system or by filling out a line on the drop off clipboard indicating what sample was dropped off and when.