What laboratory test is most indicative of pancreatitis?

The most indicative laboratory test for pancreatitis is an elevated lipase level. Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas that helps in the digestion of fats. In cases of pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the pancreas, lipase levels in the blood significantly increase, often more than amylase, especially in cases of acute pancreatitis. The elevation in lipase tends to remain elevated for a longer period compared to amylase, making it a more reliable marker for diagnosing pancreatitis.

In contrast, while amylase can also be elevated in pancreatitis, it is not as specific or sensitive as lipase, as amylase can be influenced by other conditions. Additionally, low amylase levels are not indicative of pancreatitis and do not provide useful information in this context. Decreased bilirubin levels and normal alkaline phosphatase levels do not have a direct relationship with pancreatitis and are not indicators of the condition. Therefore, the elevation in lipase is the most reliable indicator when diagnosing pancreatitis.