Lipase

Test Code

LIP

CPT Codes
83690

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 7 days; Refrigerated - 3 weeks

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolyzed, Gross lipemia, Quantity Not Sufficient, EDTA (purple top tube) contamination, IV contamination

Methodology
Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Reference Range

23 - 300 U/L

Clinical Significance

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that is mainly produced by the acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas. Its physiological role is to hydrolyze the long-chain triglycerides in the small intestine. Serum lipase increases rapidly in patients with acute and recurrent pancreatitis, pancreatic abscess or pseudocyst, pancreatic trauma, pancreatic cancer, common-bile-duct obstruction, and ingestion of drugs that are toxic to the pancreas. It is also increased by most inflammatory conditions in the abdominal cavity, biliary tract disease, abdominal abscesses, and renal failure. Lipase is more specific than total amylase in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.