Lipase

Lipase analysis at IntroLab laboratory in Belgrade is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of acute pancreatitis. The results are obtained quickly and reliably, and the cost of pancreatic enzymes is very affordable.

About Lipase

Lipase is an enzyme that plays an important role in the digestion and breakdown of triglycerides. Its activity is highest in the pancreas, where it is about 5000 times greater than in other tissues. Its functioning requires bile salts and colipase, which are also produced in the pancreas. Although lipase is filtered in the kidneys, it is taken up by the cells of the renal tubules and therefore cannot be detected in urine.

When is lipase analysis performed?

Lipase analysis is a type of biochemical analysis used for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Following an attack of pancreatitis, the enzyme activity in the blood increases within 4 to 8 hours, peaks at about 24 hours, and gradually decreases over a period of 7 to 14 days. The increase in lipase activity can vary from 2 to 50 times the upper reference limit. It is important to note that an increase in blood lipase activity is not always proportional to the severity of the pancreatitis attack.

Diagnosing acute pancreatitis can be challenging because other acute intra-abdominal diseases may have similar clinical symptoms. In such situations, lipase analysis is superior to amylase analysis. Also, lipase activity remains elevated for a longer period compared to amylase. However, sometimes both enzymes are determined together for additional diagnostic precision.

Interpreting the results

Lipase analysis results can show elevated values in cases of:

• Acute pancreatitis
• Other disorders affecting the pancreas. These may include obstruction of the pancreatic duct by a stone or pancreatic cancer.

• The increase in blood lipase activity can also vary depending on the location of the obstruction and the remaining functional tissue.

If a pancreatectomy has been performed or there is pancreatic failure, lipase values may be decreased. In such situations, low lipase activity can be indicative of a lack of functional pancreatic tissue.