Which lab value is most sensitive for diagnosing pancreatitis?

The most sensitive lab value for diagnosing pancreatitis is lipase. Elevated lipase levels are highly indicative of inflammation of the pancreas and typically increase within the first 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. The lipase test is preferred over amylase due to its greater specificity and longer duration of elevation in the setting of pancreatitis.

While amylase can also be elevated in cases of pancreatitis, it can rise in other conditions such as salivary gland disease or intestinal obstruction, making it less specific than lipase. Bilirubin levels may rise in cases of pancreatitis with associated biliary involvement, but they do not serve as primary markers for the diagnosis of the condition itself. Electrolytes are important for assessing overall metabolic status but are not involved in the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Therefore, lipase remains the most sensitive and reliable laboratory test for diagnosing pancreatitis.