Lysozyme, Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of lysozyme, an enzyme made mainly by certain white blood cells, in your blood. It can help evaluate conditions that affect white blood cells and immune function.
["A lysozyme blood level gives your doctor a clue about white blood cell activity and can support the evaluation of certain blood and immune disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 11182-3
- Short code
- Lysozyme IgE Qn
- Synonyms
- Lysozyme IgE Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Lysozyme?
Lysozyme is an enzyme that helps break down parts of bacterial cell walls and is part of the body's natural defense system. It is produced mainly by neutrophils and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells. Measuring lysozyme in the blood can reflect how active these cells are.
Why Your Doctor Ordered This Test
Your doctor may order a lysozyme test when evaluating a suspected problem with white blood cells or the immune system. It is sometimes used as one piece of information when investigating certain blood cancers or inflammatory conditions. Results are always interpreted alongside your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
How the Test Is Done
The test usually requires a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a laboratory, where the level of lysozyme is measured. No special preparation is typically needed unless your care team instructs otherwise.
What the Results Mean
A lysozyme level that is higher or lower than expected can point toward certain conditions, but it is not a diagnosis by itself. Your doctor will consider the result together with other blood tests and your overall health picture. Ask your care team to explain what your specific result means for you.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Lysozyme measurement can support the evaluation of conditions involving white blood cell activity, such as certain leukemias, and may be used in assessing inflammatory or immune-related disorders. Because results are nonspecific, they are interpreted with other laboratory and clinical findings rather than used alone.
Short name
Lysozyme
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before a lysozyme blood test?
Can a lysozyme result diagnose a disease on its own?
What happens if my lysozyme level is abnormal?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy