Don’t ask for the measurement of pancreatic enzymes in people who have no suspicion of acute pancreatic disease and, in the case of suspected acute pancreatitis, don’t ask the associated measure of amylase and lipase.

Don’t ask for the measurement of pancreatic enzymes in people who have no suspicion of acute pancreatic disease and, in the case of suspected acute pancreatitis, don’t ask the associated measure of amylase and lipase.

Type of practice

Laboratory tests

Age

Adult, Geriatric

Topic Area

Laboratory Medicine

Pancreatic lipase has diagnostics performances better than amylase, both as sensitivity and specificity and is the only test to request when suspecting acute pancreatitis.

Sources

1. Panteghini M & al, Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry & Molecular Diagnostics, 5th ed.

Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.