Clinical Chemistry II Practice Test

Pancreatic injury releases enzymes into the blood, and lipase is the most reliable indicator of pancreatitis because it is highly specific to pancreatic origin and remains elevated longer than other enzymes. In alcohol-related pancreatitis, the pancreas is inflamed and leaks lipase into the circulation, so you’ll see elevated serum lipase. Amylase can also rise, but it’s less specific since it can increase with other conditions (like salivary gland issues or various abdominal problems) and tends to normalize sooner. So the best indicator in this setting is an elevated lipase. Decreased lipase would be inconsistent with pancreatitis, and while triglycerides can be involved in some contexts, they are not the primary marker for diagnosing pancreatitis here.