Main source of error in amylase determination?

• A. Triglyceridemia
• B. Lipemia
• C. Hemolysis
• D. Icterus

Answer: (A)

Lipemia from high triglycerides is the main source of error in amylase determination because the common photometric colorimetric assays rely on measuring light absorbance of a clear solution after the enzymatic reaction. When the serum is lipemic, the turbidity from the fat droplets scatters light and distorts the optical signal reaching the detector, leading to unreliable readings. This interference tends to dominate over other potential problems like hemolysis or icterus, which can also affect measurements but typically have a less pronounced impact on the assay’s optical readout. To minimize the effect, lipids can be removed or reduced (for example by ultracentrifugation or lipid-clearing steps), or an assay format less sensitive to turbidity can be used.