Lipase

DESCRIPTION:
Lipase is a glycoprotein that catalyzes the complete hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and three fatty acids. Pancreatic lipase is produced in the pancreas and secreted by pancreatic juice, and is considered an organ-specific enzyme of the pancreas.

DETERMINATION:
Lipase is determined by the kinetic colorimetric method. The sample for analysis is serum or plasma (EDTA, heparin). The sample is stable for two days at 2 to 8°C.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Elevated lipase values: After acute pancreatitis, lipase activity increases within 4 to 8 hours, and reaches its maximum value after 24 hours, then decreases after 8 to 14 days. In chronic pancreatitis, the activity is usually normal. Activity is elevated in relapsing chronic pancreatitis during relapse, so it is a useful test for monitoring the disease. In pancreatic cancer and cysts, the activity depends on the location of the tumor or cyst. In addition to pancreatic diseases, lipase activity in the serum can also be elevated in ileus, acute cholecystitis, perforating ulcer and mesenteric infarction. Opiates increase lipase activity in serum. Reduced lipase activity is found in advanced necrosis of pancreatitis, therefore it represents a poor prognostic sign.

RESULT:
The reference interval depends on gender, age and the method of determination. The reference interval is displayed on each validated result.