In acute pancreatitis, serum lipase is preferred over amylase for diagnosis because:

• A Lipase rises faster than amylase after onset
• B Lipase remains elevated longer and is more pancreas-specific ✓
• C Lipase is unaffected by renal failure
• D Amylase cannot be measured in urine

Explanation

Lipase remains elevated for 7–14 days versus 3–5 days for amylase, allowing diagnosis in patients presenting late; lipase is also more specific for the pancreas since amylase is produced by salivary glands, fallopian tubes, and other tissues. Both enzymes accumulate in renal failure. Amylase is measurable in urine as amylasuria.

Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 32nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.