Lipase
Use
Diagnose pancreatitis, more specific for pancreatitis than is serum amylase; diagnose peritonitis, strangulated or infarcted bowel, pancreatic cyst
Special Instructions
Lipase activity is typically not present in urine, making urine specimens inappropriate for lipase testing. It's important to separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection to ensure accurate results.
Limitations
Urine specimens should not be used for lipase testing as lipase activity is generally absent in urine due to enzyme inactivation. Additionally, while serum lipase levels are usually normal in patients with elevated amylase without pancreatitis, further investigation may be necessary, as elevated amylase could indicate other conditions such as macroamylasemia. The lipase:amylase ratio may assist in distinguishing between alcoholic and nonalcoholic pancreatitis cases, but should not be solely relied upon for comprehensive diagnostic conclusions.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3040-3
- 3040-3
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |