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Leucine aminopeptidase - blood
Definition
Leucine aminopeptidase is a protein, called an enzyme, that is normally found in liver cells and cells of the small intestine.
Serum leucine aminopeptidase is a test that measures how much of this protein is in your blood.
Your urine can also be checked for this protein. See: Leucine aminopeptidase - urine
Alternative Names
Serum leucine aminopeptidase
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture
How to Prepare for the Test
Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking any drugs that could affect the test. Drugs that can affect the results of this test include estrogen and progesterone. Never stop taking any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
How the Test Will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the Test is Performed
Your doctor may order this test to see if your liver is damaged. An excess of leucine aminopeptidase is released into your blood when your liver cells are damaged, or if you have a liver tumor.
This test is done only rarely, because other tests, such as gamma glutamyl transpeptidase are as accurate and are more easily available.
See also:
Normal Results
- Male: 80 to 200 U/mL
- Female: 75 to 185 U/mL
Note: U/mL = units per milliliter
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What Abnormal Results Mean
- Cholestasis
- Cirrhosis
- Hepatitis
- Liver cancer
- Liver ischemia (reduced blood flow to the liver)
- Liver necrosis (death of liver tissue)
- Liver tumor
Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Berk P, Korenblatt K. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver test results. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 150.
Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2010:chap 73.
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
