Which term refers to the measurement of pancreatic enzymes in serum or plasma?

• A. A-line
• B. Amylase/Lipase
• C. ABG
• D. VBG

Answer: (B)

Measuring pancreatic enzymes in blood centers on the two main enzymes the pancreas releases: amylase and lipase. When pancreatic inflammation or injury occurs, these enzymes spill into the bloodstream and their levels rise. Amylase is useful but can come from non-pancreatic sources like salivary glands, making it less specific, whereas lipase is more specific to the pancreas and tends to stay elevated longer, providing a reliable indication of pancreatic involvement. In clinical practice, testing both amylase and lipase in serum or plasma helps confirm pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders.

The other terms aren’t about pancreatic enzymes: an arterial line is a catheter for blood pressure monitoring and sampling, and arterial or venous blood gas tests measure gas exchange and acid-base status, not enzyme levels.