Overview :

The ratio of lipase to amylase elevations may correlate with the cause of acute pancreatitis.

lipase-to-amylase ratio =

= ((serum lipase) / (upper normal limit of lipase)) / ((serum amylase) / (upper normal limit of amylase))

Interpretation:

• Ratios greater than 3 suggest alcoholic pancreatitis.

Gumaste VV et al. Lipase/Amylase Ratio. A new index that distinguishes acute episodes of alcoholic from nonalcoholic acute pancreatitis. Gastroenterology. 1991; 101:1361-1366.

Jacobs D, Demott W, et al. Laboratory Test Handbook, 3rd edition. Lexi-Comp Inc. Hudson, Ohio. 1994. page 277

Jacobs D, Demott W, et al. Laboratory Test Handbook, 4th edition. Lexi-Comp Inc. Hudson, Ohio. 1996. page 158.

Tenner SM, Steinberg W. The admission serum lipase:amylase ratio differentiates alcoholic from nonalcoholic acute pancreatitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 1992; 87: 1755-1758.

Wallach J. Interpretation of Laboratory Tests, 6th edition. Little Brown and Company. 1996. page 231.