Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required.
- Turnaround: 5-7 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays
What This Test Measures
This test measures the concentration of lysozyme (also known as muramidase) in your blood. Lysozyme is an enzyme found in blood cells, primarily in granulocytes, monocytes, and histiocytes, with smaller amounts present in lymphocytes, myeloblasts, eosinophils, and basophils. It functions to break down bacteria.
Plasma lysozyme levels reflect the turnover rate of the cells that contain this enzyme. This is a quantitative measurement of lysozyme concentration, not a measurement of individual blood cell counts, percentages, or immune cell function. Elevated levels have been associated with certain benign and malignant conditions, but this single measurement does not by itself identify the specific cause of any change.
Benefits
- Measures lysozyme (muramidase) concentration in your blood
- Supports monitoring of previously confirmed tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, or leukemia
- Reflects turnover rate of lysozyme-containing blood cells
- Simple blood draw with no special preparation required
- Provides a data point for ongoing clinical assessment
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of tuberculosis being monitored over time
- Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidosis tracking disease activity
- Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of myelogenous or monocytic leukemia
- Patients undergoing treatment who want to track lysozyme level changes
- Individuals working with a healthcare provider to follow disease progression
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is required for this test. You do not need to fast or make any dietary changes before your blood draw.
2. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 5-7 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holidays, or other lab delays.
3. How do I interpret my results, and can this test diagnose a condition on its own?
Lysozyme results reflect the concentration of this enzyme in your blood at the time of the draw. Higher levels may be associated with conditions such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, or certain leukemias, as well as nonmalignant conditions like infection, Crohn's disease, or kidney transplant rejection. However, a single lysozyme measurement does not establish a diagnosis on its own, and an elevated result does not confirm any one of these conditions. Similarly, a result within the expected range does not rule out an underlying condition. Because lysozyme changes can stem from multiple causes, your healthcare provider should interpret this result alongside your medical history, symptoms, and other clinical findings.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
4. What factors can affect my results?
Lysozyme levels reflect the turnover rate of granulocytes and monocytes, the cells that primarily contain this enzyme. This turnover rate can change with infection, inflammation, or treatment status, which is why your result may shift over time even when tracking the same condition.
5. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your lysozyme result falls outside the expected range, review it with a qualified healthcare provider. They can help determine whether additional evaluation or testing is appropriate based on your health history and other clinical findings. This test result alone should not be used to make treatment decisions.
Pre test preparation
No special preparation is required.
