The reference method for serum lipase is based on what process?

The reference method for serum lipase quantification relies on the titration of fatty acids. In this method, lipase catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. As lipase acts on triglycerides in the serum, the resultant free fatty acids are titrated, which allows for the determination of lipase activity based on the amount of fatty acids produced.

This approach is considered a reference method due to its specificity and accuracy in measuring lipase activity. When fatty acids are released, their concentration can be measured through titration against a standard solution, providing a reliable assessment of lipase activity in serum samples. Other methods like filtration, incubation with glucose, or distillation do not provide the same level of specificity or relevance for lipase activity, which is fundamentally based on the enzymatic breakdown of fats into free acids.