Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
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 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 ductiv) detection of pancreatic involvement in abdominal diseases.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Specimen container adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL blood
Sample stability:
Unseparated sample: unknown
Separated sample:
7 days at 15 to 25°C,
7 days at 2 to 8°C,
1 year at -20°C
Reference ranges:
Serum
Adult 13 to 60 U/L
Other info:
Lithium heparin and EDTA plasma samples also acceptable