Newcastle Laboratories

Lipase, Serum

Clinical Background:

Lipases are glycoproteins with a molecular weight of 47 kD produced in the acinar cells of the pancreas. They are defined as triglycerides hydrolases which catalyse the cleavage of triglycerides to...

Lipases are glycoproteins with a molecular weight of 47 kD produced in the acinar cells of the pancreas. They are defined as triglycerides hydrolases which catalyse the cleavage of triglycerides to diglycerides with subsequent formation of glycerol and fatty acids. Any disruption to pancreatic tissue either by inflammation, obstruction or increased permeability of the cells will give rise to an elevated lipase concentration.

As a consequence serum lipase analysis can be used in:-

i) the detection and exclusion of acute pancreatitis (in acute upper quadrant abdominal pain)

ii) chronic (relapsing) pancreatitis

iii) obstruction of the pancreatic duct

iv) detection of pancreatic involvement in abdominal diseases

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Biochemistry

    Biochemistry

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Serum (SST or plain tube)

    Serum (SST or plain tube)

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Serum (SST or plain tube)

    Serum (SST or plain tube)

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    1 mL blood

    1 mL blood

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    0.5 mL blood

    0.5 mL blood

  • Sample Stability:

    Unseparated sample: unknown
    Separated sample: 7 days at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-8°C, 1 year at -20°C

    Unseparated sample: unknown
    Separated sample: 7 days at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-8°C, 1 year at -20°C

  • Reference Ranges:

    Serum
    Adult 13 – 60 U/L

    Serum
    Adult 13 – 60 U/L

  • Other Info:

    Lithium heparin and EDTA plasma samples also acceptable

    Lithium heparin and EDTA plasma samples also acceptable

  • Routine Contact Name:

    Duty Biochemist

  • Routine Telephone:

    Freeman: 0191 244 8889 
    RVI: 0191 282 9719

    Freeman: 0191 244 8889 
    RVI: 0191 282 9719

  • Routine Email:

Availability:

24/7, analysed at Freeman

Turn Around:

- Urgent testing is available by arrangement with the laboratory. Please contact the Duty Biochemist to arrange this.

- Routine sample: 24 hours

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