Leucine Amino Peptidase Blood Test

What are other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

• LAP Blood Test

What is Leucine Amino Peptidase Blood Test? (Background Information)

• Leucine amino peptidase (LAP) is an enzyme made by the liver. Levels of LAP in blood tend to mirror those of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), another hormone
• ALP is a very useful enzyme for detecting tissue damage, as it is produced by all body tissues. Increased ALP levels in blood imply that tissue damage has occurred to cause ALP to leak into blood
• However, bone disease and malabsorption syndrome do not result in elevated ALP levels. They do, however, result in elevated LAP levels
• Thus, analyzing the LAP levels and ALP levels helps assess the functioning of liver. LAP should not be used as a stand-alone test for determining liver function. It should be used in combination with other tests to assess liver function
• The Leucine Amino Peptidase Blood Test helps determine the levels of LAP in blood. It aids in the diagnosis of hepatobiliary diseases

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Leucine Amino Peptidase Blood Test?

Following are the clinical indicators for performing the Leucine Amino Peptidase Blood Test:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Rapid weight loss
• Discolored urine and/or stools
• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Itching of skin

How is the Specimen Collected for Leucine Amino Peptidase Blood Test?

Following is the specimen collection process for Leucine Amino Peptidase Blood Test:

Sample required: Blood 

Process of obtaining a blood sample in adults:

• A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit)
• The site is cleaned with 70% alcohol in an outward spiral, away from the zone of needle insertion
• The needle cap is removed and is held in line with the vein, pulling the skin tight
• With a small and quick thrust, the vein is penetrated using the needle
• The required amount of blood sample is collected by pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly
• The wrap band is removed, gauze is placed on the collection site, and the needle is removed
• The blood is immediately transferred into the blood container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant
• The syringe and the needle are disposed into the appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal

Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test.

What is the Significance of the Leucine Amino Peptidase Blood Test Result?

The interpretation of the Leucine Amino Peptidase Blood Test result values may vary across laboratories depending on the laboratory methods employed.

A high value, greater than 22 microunits/mL, may point to a diagnosis of:

• Liver cancer
• Extrahepatic biliary obstruction
• Acute liver necrosis
• Viral hepatitis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Preeclampsia, between weeks 33 and 39 of pregnancy

Note: A combination of LAP levels and ALP levels can help assess liver disease and bone disease.

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

• Leucine amino peptidase (LAP) was once thought to provide useful information about pancreatic cancers, but this has been disproven

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider, the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.