Lipase levels in acute pancreatitis typically peak at about which time after onset?

• A. 2-8 hours
• B. 24 hours
• C. 48-72 hours
• D. 7-10 days

Answer: (B)

Lipase peaks around the first day after onset. It starts to rise within a few hours (roughly 4–8 hours) and reaches its highest level at about 24 hours, then remains elevated for several days. This longer elevation compared with amylase means testing around 24 hours is most likely to catch the peak. The other options are outside the typical peak window: 2–8 hours is when it begins to rise, 48–72 hours is after the peak, and 7–10 days is well past the peak.