Lysozyme, Serum or Plasma, Mass Concentration

What Is Lysozyme?

Lysozyme is an enzyme found in many body fluids and tissues. It is produced in large amounts by neutrophils and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells, and it helps break down bacterial cell walls as part of the body's defenses. Measuring lysozyme in blood gives information about how active these cells are.

Why the Test Is Ordered

A clinician may order this test to help investigate conditions in which white blood cells are increased or abnormally active, or to help assess certain kidney and immune system disorders. It is usually interpreted alongside other blood counts, chemistry tests, and clinical findings rather than on its own.

How the Sample Is Collected

A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm, and the serum or plasma is separated for testing. The measurement is reported as a mass concentration, meaning the amount of lysozyme by weight per volume of sample. No special preparation is usually needed unless your care team says otherwise.

Understanding Your Results

Results are reported as a concentration and must be compared with the laboratory's own reference interval, because values can vary between labs and methods. Levels may be higher or lower in different conditions, and a single result is rarely diagnostic. Your clinician will interpret it together with your symptoms and other test results.