What method is considered the reference for serum lipase?

The reference method for serum lipase is based on the titration of fatty acids with dilute NaOH. This approach takes advantage of the enzyme's role in hydrolyzing triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol. When triglycerides are broken down by lipase, the resulting free fatty acids can be quantified through titration, allowing for an accurate measurement of lipase activity in the serum.

This method is historically recognized for its precision and reliability, making it a standard against which other lipase assays can be compared. The titration process provides a direct and quantifiable result based on the enzymatic activity, establishing a methodologically sound benchmark for lipase measurement in clinical settings.

While other methods exist for measuring lipase, such as rate turbidimetry, immunochemical assays, and assays involving triglycerides with olive oil, they may not provide the same level of specificity or accuracy as the titration method. Therefore, the titration of fatty acids with dilute NaOH holds its status as the reference method in clinical laboratory practice.