What is the normal range for serum lipase?

What is the normal range for serum lipase?

• A. 0-60
• B. 0-160
• C. 160-320
• D. 60-180

Answer: (B)

Normal serum lipase range is defined by the upper limit of normal in standard lab tests. In most reference ranges, the upper limit is about 160 U/L, so values within 0 to 160 U/L are considered normal. Lipase is a pancreatic enzyme, and while elevations point toward pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis), this question focuses on what range is considered normal, not on diagnostic thresholds. Variations exist between labs, but 0-160 U/L is a common standard. The other ranges either cut off too early, start at a value that would exclude many normal results, or would miss normal values entirely, making them inappropriate as the normal reference range.

Normal serum lipase range is defined by the upper limit of normal in standard lab tests. In most reference ranges, the upper limit is about 160 U/L, so values within 0 to 160 U/L are considered normal. Lipase is a pancreatic enzyme, and while elevations point toward pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis), this question focuses on what range is considered normal, not on diagnostic thresholds. Variations exist between labs, but 0-160 U/L is a common standard. The other ranges either cut off too early, start at a value that would exclude many normal results, or would miss normal values entirely, making them inappropriate as the normal reference range.