Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Serum
Specimen Transport
First class post.Sample Processing in Laboratory
UsualSample Preparation
Centrifuge sample and separate serum/plasma.Turnaround Time
Approx. 1 weekSample Stability
4 ºC for up to 48hrs and -20 ºC if >48hrsLipase
General Information
Lipases are secreted from the pancreas into the duodenum where they catalyse the cleavage of dietary triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol.
Elevation of lipase in the serum can be highly specific for pancreatic disease, although amylase is more routinely used as lipase is more technically difficult to measure.
Highest levels of lipase occur in acute pancreatitis. Administration of morphine or cholinergic drugs that cause constriction of the sphincter of Oddi results in elevations of lipase and amylase.
Carcinoma of the pancreas may cause moderate lipase increase.
Patient Preparation
None
Notes
Specimens received before 23/06/2012 analysed at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, reference range 6-51 U/L.
Specimes for the JAKARTA trial MUST be sent to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary for continuity of the trial - all of these should be dealt with by the Laboratory Medicine R&D Coordinator, and booked in as a MISC specimen.
Reference Range
Adult: 8 - 78 U/L
0 to <19 years: 4 - 39 U/L
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
- EQA Status: No scheme available