Lipase
Code:8038|CPT:83690|LOINC:3040-3
| Includes | Lipase |
|---|
Analysis details
Methodology
- Enzymatic colorimetric method
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Special Instructions
- Do not eat for 12 hours before the blood draw.
- For 30 minutes before collection, avoid strenuous exercise and minimize emotional stress.
- Do not smoke during the 30 minutes before collection.
How to use
The Lipase test (serum lipase, LPS) is ordered to diagnose and assess acute and chronic pancreatitis and a range of pancreatic disorders. Compared with serum amylase, lipase provides greater specificity for pancreatitis. It also contributes to the evaluation of pancreatic cysts and intra‑abdominal conditions such as peritonitis or ischemic/strangulated bowel when the pancreas may be involved.
Limitations
Lipase is produced by pancreatic acinar cells and secreted into pancreatic juice, which passes through the pancreatic duct into the duodenum to aid fat digestion. Under normal physiology, only small quantities enter the bloodstream. Damage to acinar tissue or blockage of the pancreatic duct increases the release of lipase into blood, after which the enzyme is excreted in the urine.
| Unit | U/L | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference interval |
| |||||||||||||||
| Indications | Evaluation of suspected acute or chronic pancreatitis, particularly with acute epigastric pain radiating to the back, Presence of fever, Loss of appetite (anorexia), Vomiting, Follow-up of pancreatic disease to assess response to therapy |
Possible Causes of Abnormal Results
Increased levels
- captopril
- chronic kidney disease
- corticosteroids
- furosemide
- heparin
- ibuprofen
- opioid analgesics
- oral contraceptives
Specimen Requirements
| Specimen | Serum |
|---|---|
| Container | Gold/Tiger Top (SST, Gel Separator) |
| Volume | 1 mL (min 0.7 mL) |
| Storage Instructions | Room temperature, Refrigerated, Frozen |