Which method is most commonly used for lipase assay?

The most common method used for lipase assay is based on the principle of peroxidase coupling. This method involves the hydrolysis of triglycerides, which releases fatty acids. The free fatty acids then undergo further reactions catalyzed by lipase, leading to the production of a measurable product. In the peroxidase coupling method, the release of fatty acids from triglycerides is coupled with a reaction that involves peroxidase, allowing for the generation of a colored product that can be quantified spectrophotometrically.

This assay takes advantage of enzymatic activity to produce a response proportional to the lipase concentration in the sample, making it an effective and sensitive way to measure lipase levels in clinical specimens. Given its sensitivity and specificity, it has become the standard approach in routine laboratory settings for evaluating lipase activity, particularly in the diagnosis of pancreatitis and other pancreatic disorders.

Other methods, such as hydrolysis of olive oil, rate turbidimetry, and immunoassay, can be used in specific contexts but are not as widely adopted for routine lipase testing as the peroxidase coupling method.