Leucine aminopeptidase blood test

What is a Leucine Aminopeptidase Blood Test?

Leucine aminopeptidase is an enzyme which helps in digestion of proteins. It is produced in the liver and is also present in small amounts in the blood. A leucine aminopeptidase blood test, or LAP test as it is often referred to, is a simple test that is used to measure the amount of the enzyme present in the blood. It is primarily done to check for the presence of liver and pancreatic diseases.

Preparation for a Leucine Aminopeptidase Blood Test

No special preparation is necessary for a leucine aminopeptidase blood test. However, patients should inform their doctor about any medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements they are taking as they might interfere with the test results. Patients taking aspirin should stop taking it three days prior to the test.

Procedure of Leucine Aminopeptidase Blood Test

The test requires the patient to go to the healthcare practitioner’s office and get the blood drawn from a vein. The quantity of blood required for the test is very small. The blood sample is usually sent to the lab where it is processed and analyzed. The results usually take 12 to 24 hours to come through.

Types of Leucine Aminopeptidase Blood Tests

The two main types of leucine aminopeptidase blood tests are the automated and the manual methods. The automated method utilizes a machine to process the sample. In the manual method, the technician evaluates the sample using special equipment. The automated method is more accurate than the manual one.

Risks Involved in Leucine Aminopeptidase Blood Test

Leucine aminopeptidase blood tests are very safe and carry minimal risks. The most common risks associated with this test are a slight sting and discomfort when the needle is inserted into the vein, as well as the risk of bruising and infection at the injection site.

Why and When a Leucine Aminopeptidase Blood Test is Done

The leucine aminopeptidase blood test is done to check for diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, jaundice, and pancreatitis. It is also helpful in identifying tumors of the liver, pancreas, and intestines. The test is usually done in combination with other laboratory tests in order to gain a broader picture of the patient’s health. It is also done to monitor the efficacy of treatments for diseases and conditions mentioned above.