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Lipase

Also known as Serum Lipase

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You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Lipase

What is Lipase?

The Lipase test is used to determine the level of enzyme lipase made by the pancreas. This test can help diagnose pancreatitis (inflammation in the pancreas), find out any blockage in the pancreas, and pancreas-associated chronic diseases.

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body digest fat. The pancreas, an organ behind the lower part of your abdomen, produces most lipase. It is also made by your salivary (spit) glands and the stomach, and a small amount is also present in the blood.

If there is a(n) injury/infection/disease, the function of the pancreas can be impaired, which can increase or decrease the production of lipase. An elevated level of lipase may indicate pancreatic diseases like blocked duct or pancreatic cancer, peptic ulcer, gallbladder disease, etc. At the same time, a low level of lipase may be a sign of permanent damage to the pancreatic cells that make lipase. This may happen in certain chronic (long-lasting) diseases, such as cystic fibrosis.

You may need the Lipase test when you experience symptoms such as pain in the upper abdomen that may go to the back, tenderness in the stomach, nausea, pale stool, a full or bloated feeling, jaundice, or the yellowing of the eyes, rapid pulse or heartbeat, and fever. Your doctor may also order this test to check your treatment response. No special preparation is needed for a lipase test. You can eat or drink generally as per your daily routine.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition and formulate an overall treatment plan.

What is Lipase used for?

The Lipase test can be done:

To diagnose acute and chronic pancreatitis.
To help determine a blockage in the pancreatic duct.
To monitor treatment effectiveness for pancreatitis.
To help diagnose other conditions like kidney diseases, gallbladder inflammation, etc.

What does Lipase measure?

The Lipase test measures the total amount of lipase enzyme present in the blood. The lipase enzyme breaks down fats (lipids) into smaller molecules. In the gut, it is crucial for digestion, transportation, and the usage of dietary fats and oils. The main source of lipase is the pancreas–the same gland that makes insulin. After a meal, your pancreas releases pancreatic lipase into your digestive tract, where it breaks down triglycerides from fats and oils into smaller molecules like monoglycerides and fatty acids that are easier to absorb. A deranged level of lipase may indicate disease affecting the pancreas.

Interpreting Lipase results

Interpretations

Normal levels:

Below 1 year age: Up to 8 U/L

1-9 years age: 5-31 U/L

10-18 years age: 7-39 U/L

Above 18 years age: Less than 67 U/L

Higher than normal levels of lipase are usually associated with pancreatitis, blockage of the pancreatic duct, pancreatic tumors, inflammation of the gallbladder, and kidney diseases. In case of acute pancreatitis, lipase levels rise quickly within about 4 to 8 hours of an attack and may remain high for up to 14 days.

Very low levels of lipase may indicate pancreatic damage as in diseases like cystic fibrosis.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lipase

Frequently Asked Questions about Lipase

Q. When can the Lipase test be done?

The Lipase test can be done when you experience symptoms of a pancreatic disorder, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, or nausea. It is also used to monitor the treatment response of pancreatitis.

Q. What is pancreatitis and its symptoms?

Pancreatitis refers to the inflammation of the pancreas. The symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain that radiates to your back, abdominal pain that feels worse after eating, indigestion, fat in stool, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, fast heart rate, weight loss, etc.

Q. What are the long-term consequences of pancreatitis?

Generally, acute pancreatitis does not cause any long-term damage. However, chronic pancreatitis may follow a series of acute attacks but is almost always due to many years of alcohol abuse (although other conditions such as cystic fibrosis can also damage the pancreas). It causes permanent pancreatic damage with scarring and calcium deposits. In some people, pancreatitis may lead to the development of insulin-dependent diabetes.

Q. What are the other conditions that can elevate lipase levels?

Lipase levels are usually elevated in case of pancreatitis. But its levels may also be increased in conditions like kidney failure, cirrhosis, or a bowel problem.

Q. What does it mean when my lipase levels are higher than normal?

Higher-than-normal levels of lipase in the blood may suggest acute pancreatitis, chronic kidney disease, peptic ulcer, gallbladder disease, intestinal problems like intestinal blocking, bowel obstruction, diabetes, or alcohol use disorder.

Q. How can I lower my lipase levels?

To lower the lipase levels, you need to work with your doctor and address the underlying issue triggering the lipase increase. However, adopting some healthy habits, such as avoiding alcohol, staying hydrated, and trying to cut off fat from your diet, may help to control its levels.

Q. What additional tests can be prescribed by the doctor in case test results show abnormal lipase levels?

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal lipase test results are amylase test, abdominal imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, or MR cholangiopancreatography), liver function test, kidney function test, and blood sugar test.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the serum lipase test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and may also experience some bleeding, which is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely, some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

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