Clinical Biochemistry

Lipase

Test Background
Lipase is a pancreatic enzyme released into the vasculature following insult to the pancreas or in response to pathological states, such as hypertriglyceridaemia. It has a longer half-life than that of amylase and its measurement is not subject to lipaemic interference, as such it is amenable to the diagnosis of pancreatitis following an initial delay in presentation, or when amylase assay is either suspect or equivocal.

Clinical Indications

• Differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain
• Suspected macroamylasaemia

Reference Range

Sample Required
SST (gold top), serum (red top) or heparin (green top)

Sample Volume
0.5 mL

Turnaround Time
Up to 6 weeks

Notes
Not currently performed in house; this is a referred test.