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Print CPT 83690
Test Details
Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Use
Diagnose pancreatitis, more specific for pancreatitis than is serum amylase; diagnose peritonitis, strangulated or infarcted bowel, pancreatic cyst
Methodology
Colorimetric
Additional Information
Serum lipase is usually normal in patients with elevated serum amylase, without pancreatitis, who have peptic ulcer, salivary adenitis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, and macroamylasemia. Coexistence of increased serum amylase with normal lipase may be a helpful clue to the presence of macroamylasemia.1 Lipase is elevated with amylase in acute pancreatitis, but the elevation of lipase is more prolonged.
In work-up of pancreatitis, in addition to serum lipase and amylase, the 2-hour urine amylase is of value. Electrolytes, serum calcium, glucose, and acetone are also often needed. Immunoreactive trypsin is technically more difficult than lipase and probably no better.2 The serum lipase:amylase ratio may help distinguish alcoholic from nonalcoholic pancreatitis. Ratios >2 (expressed as multiples of the upper limits of normal) suggest an alcoholic etiology.3 Lipase isoform or isoenzymes have been studied.4
Specimen Requirements
Information on collection, storage, and volume
Specimen
Serum (preferred) or plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling
Collection
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.