Lipase, Serum
Use
This test is useful for investigating pancreatic disorders, usually pancreatitis. Lipase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes glycerol esters of long-chain fatty acids. The pancreas is the primary source of serum lipase, and pancreatic injury results in increased serum lipase levels. Lipase levels typically rise in parallel with amylase in pancreatitis but can remain elevated longer, providing a more extended diagnostic window.
Special Instructions
The serum gel tube must be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection, while a red-top tube must be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Limitations
Certain drugs, notably cholinergics and opiates, may cause elevations in serum lipase, potentially confusing the diagnosis. Similarly, renal disease may also elevate serum lipase levels. The increase in serum lipase may not necessarily correlate with the severity of pancreatic attack, and normoamylasemia can occur in some acute pancreatitis patients. Additionally, hyperlipemia may cause a spurious normoamylasemia, so it is suggested that lipase assays should complement amylase assays and not exclude them.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3040-3
- 3040-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Serum gel tube must be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tube must be centrifuged and serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, collection tubes with glycerol-lubricated stoppers
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 365 days |