Lipase
CPT Code(s):
83690
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Lipase holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the levels of lipase, an enzyme involved in the digestion and processing of dietary fats, in a patient's blood. Lipase is primarily produced by the pancreas, and its levels can provide valuable information about pancreatic function and certain digestive disorders.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Lipase include:
1. Diagnosis of Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, and elevated lipase levels are a key diagnostic marker for this condition. Lipase is used to confirm the presence of pancreatitis, assess the severity of the disease, and monitor treatment response.
2. Evaluation of Pancreatic Function: Lipase helps evaluate pancreatic function by measuring the activity of pancreatic lipase. Abnormal lipase levels can indicate pancreatic insufficiency, which impairs the digestion and absorption of fats, leading to malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies.
3. Differential Diagnosis of Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain can have various causes, including pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal disorders. Measuring lipase levels aids in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain, helping to differentiate pancreatic-related conditions from other potential causes.
4. Monitoring Treatment and Recovery: Lipase levels are monitored to assess treatment response and recovery in patients with pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders. A decrease in lipase levels over time indicates an improvement in pancreatic function and can guide treatment decisions.
5. Assessing Gallbladder Function: Lipase levels can be elevated in certain conditions affecting the gallbladder, such as gallstone-related pancreatitis. Measuring lipase levels helps in the evaluation of gallbladder function and the identification of gallstone-related complications.
Interpretation of Lipase results should consider the patient's clinical context, including symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory findings. Additional tests, such as amylase and imaging studies like abdominal ultrasound or CT scan, may be necessary to support the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause.
In summary, Lipase is specifically used for diagnosing pancreatitis, evaluating pancreatic function, differential diagnosis of abdominal pain, monitoring treatment and recovery, and assessing gallbladder function. It provides valuable information about pancreatic health and digestive function, aiding healthcare providers in making informed decisions regarding patient care, treatment strategies, and disease management. Close collaboration between healthcare providers and patients is crucial to interpret the test results accurately and implement appropriate treatment plans.