Leucine Aminopeptidase - Urine
Alternate Names : LAP - Urine, Urine LAP
Definition A test that measures the amount of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) in urine.
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Why is the Test Performed?
Unlike other liver enzymes, LAP can be measured in the urine. This test may be appropriate in some cases as a screening test or to avoid the risks of venipuncture. This test is performed much less commonly than leucine aminopeptidase - serum.
LAP is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks chemical bonds in proteins at specific sites next to leucine amino acids. Serum (blood) LAP is measured to diagnose liver (hepatic) dysfunction. However, LAP is made by virtually all tissues. Elevations are also seen in several cancers and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
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