Diagnostic Use
Determination of serine protease levels may be useful in the context of particular diseases.
- Coagulation factor levels may be required in the diagnosis of hemorrhagic or thrombotic conditions.
- Fecal elastase is employed to determine the exocrine activity of the pancreas, e.g., in cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis.
- Serum prostate-specific antigen is used in prostate cancer screening, risk stratification, and post-treatment monitoring.
- Serine protease, as released by mast cells, is an important diagnostic marker for type 1 hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis). More useful than e.g. histamine due to the longer t1/2, meaning it remains in the system for a clinically useful length of time.
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