Measures the blood levels of amylase and lipase enzymes secreted by the pancreas. It is the primary laboratory test for diagnosing acute pancreatitis.
Indication
- Abdominal pain, particularly upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Diagnosis and follow-up of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Investigation of chronic pancreatitis
- Differential diagnosis of salivary gland disorders (parotitis)
- Suspicion of intestinal obstruction (ileus)
- Evaluation of biliary tract disease
- Follow-up after pancreatic procedures such as ERCP
Preparation
- Generally, no special preparation is required
- May be requested urgently in the case of acute abdominal pain
- Avoiding alcohol before the test is recommended
- Medications used (especially opioids and diuretics) should be reported to the physician
How it's performed
- A venous blood sample is drawn from the arm
- The sample is sent to the laboratory
- Amylase and lipase enzyme levels are measured on an automated analyzer
- Results are typically reported within a few hours
- Rapid results are provided in emergency cases
Post-procedure
- In acute pancreatitis, enzyme levels rise to 3 times the upper limit of normal or higher
- Lipase is more specific to the pancreas than amylase and remains elevated for a longer period
- Results are evaluated together with the clinical picture and imaging (US, CT)
- In pancreatitis follow-up, repeated measurements monitor improvement
- Hospitalization may be required; oral intake may be stopped
Risks
- Local bruising or pain after blood draw
- Very rare vasovagal reaction
- Possibility of misleading results in cases of hemolysis or lipemia
- Very rare infection
FAQ
In what conditions do amylase and lipase rise?
They rise most often in acute pancreatitis; they may also be elevated in salivary gland disorders, intestinal obstruction, and with the use of certain medications.
Which enzyme is more reliable for the pancreas?
Lipase is more specific to the pancreas and remains elevated for a longer period in acute pancreatitis; for this reason, it is featured prominently in current guidelines.
Do mildly elevated values always mean pancreatitis?
No. In addition to enzyme elevation, abdominal pain and imaging findings are also required for diagnosis; an elevated value alone is not diagnostic.
When are results available?
In most laboratories, results are provided within a few hours; in emergencies, results can be obtained within 1 hour.
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