Serum leucine aminopeptidase; LAP - serum DefinitionThe leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) test measures how much of this enzyme is in your blood. Your urine can also be checked for LAP. How the Test is PerformedA blood sample is needed. How to Prepare for the TestYou 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 FeelWhen 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 PerformedLAP 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. Normal ResultsNormal range is:
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 MeanAn abnormal result may be a sign of:
RisksThere 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:
ReferencesDaniels 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. | |
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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. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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Blood test
