The most specific laboratory test to establish a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is:: (A) Serum amylase, (B) Serum lipase, (C) Serum Alkaline phosphatase, (D) Serum Calcium
Answer is B. Answer is B (Serum lipase) Serum lipase elevation is the most specific laboratory test for establishing a diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis `A three fold elevated serum lipase value is usually diagnostic of acute pancreatitis' - Harrison Serum Lipase levels and serum amylase levels are both used to establish the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis An elevated serum Lipase level is more specific for pancreatitis than a serum amylase level because many other pathologic conditions may present with an elevated amylase level. Serum lipase is therefore the single best answer of choice.