Leucine aminopeptidase blood test
Serum leucine aminopeptidase; LAP - serumThe leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) test measures how much of this enzyme is in your blood.
Enzyme
Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change. For example, they can help break down the foods we eat so the body can use them....
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleYour urine can also be checked for LAP.
Urine
Leucine aminopeptidase is a type of protein called an enzyme. It is normally found in liver cells and cells of the small intestine. This test is us...
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
Blood sample
Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.
How to Prepare for the Test
You need to fast for 8 hours before the test. This means you can't eat or drink anything during the 8 hours.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
LAP is a type of protein called an enzyme. This enzyme is normally found in cells of the liver, bile, blood, urine and the placenta.
Your health care provider may order this test to check if your liver is damaged. Too much LAP is released into your blood when you have a liver tumor or damage to your liver cells.
This test is not done very often. Other tests, such as gamma-glutamyl transferase, are as accurate and easier to get.
Gamma-glutamyl transferase
The gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) blood test measures the level of the enzyme GGT in the blood.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleNormal Results
Normal range is:
- Male: 80 to 200 U/mL
- Female: 75 to 185 U/mL
Normal value ranges may vary slightly. Some labs use different measurement methods. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An abnormal result may be a sign of:
- Bile flow from the liver is blocked (cholestasis)
Cholestasis
Cholestasis is any condition in which the flow of bile from the liver is slowed or blocked.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver and poor liver function)
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Heart Failure
- Hepatitis (inflamed liver)
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Liver cancer or tumor
- Liver ischemia (reduced blood flow to the liver)
- Liver necrosis (death of liver tissue)
Necrosis
Necrosis is the death of body tissue. It occurs when too little blood flows to the tissue. This can be from injury, radiation, or chemicals. Necro...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Use of medicines that are toxic to the liver
Risks
There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Multiple punctures to locate veins
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Daniels L, Khalili M, Gordstein E, Bluth MH, Browne WB, Pincus MR. Evaluation of liver function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 22.
Korneblat KM, Berk PD. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver tests. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 138.
Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Review Date: 2/28/2023
Reviewed By: Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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