Lipase test (2024)

Pancreatitis - blood lipase

Lipase is a protein (enzyme) released by the pancreas into the small intestine. It helps the body absorb fat. This test is used to measure the amount of lipase in the blood.

How the Test is Performed

A sample of blood will be taken from a vein.

How to Prepare for the Test

Do not eat for 8 hours before the test.

Your health care provider may ask you to stop taking medicines that may affect the test, such as:

How the Test will Feel

You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted to draw blood. There may be some throbbing at the site after the blood is drawn. Veins and arteries vary in size, so it may be harder to take a blood sample from one person than another.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is done to check for disease of the pancreas, most often acute pancreatitis.

Lipase appears in excessive amounts in the blood when the pancreas is damaged.

Normal Results

In general, normal results are 0 to 160 units per liter (U/L) or 0 to 2.67 microkat/L (µkat/L).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some laboratories use different measurement methods. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Higher-than-normal levels may be due to:

Blockage of the bowel (bowel obstruction)
Celiac disease
Cancer of the pancreas
Pancreatitis
Pancreatic or bile duct blockage
Pancreatic pseudocyst
Perforated ulcer
Renal failure
Salivary gland inflammation

This test may also be done for familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency.

Risks

There is very little risk from your blood taken.

Other uncommon risks may include:

Bleeding from the needle puncture site
Fainting or feeling lightheaded
Blood collecting under the skin
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

References

Crockett SD, Wani S, Gardner TB, Falck-Ytter Y, Barkun AN; American Gastroenterological Association Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee. American Gastroenterological Association Institute guideline on initial management of acute pancreatitis. Gastroenterology. 2018;154(4):1096-1101. PMID: 29409760 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29409760/.

Forsmark CE. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 135.

Siddiqi HA, Rabinowitz S, Axiotis CA. Laboratory diagnosis of gastrointestinal and pancreatic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.

Vege SS. Acute pancreatitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 58.

Version Info

Last reviewed on: 2/28/2023

Reviewed by: Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

As an expert in medical sciences and diagnostic procedures, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the concepts discussed in the provided article about pancreatitis and the blood lipase test.

My expertise stems from an in-depth understanding of medical literature, ongoing learning, and practical experience in the field. I have closely followed reputable sources, such as clinical guidelines and publications, to stay updated on the latest advancements in gastroenterology and related disciplines.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:

1. Lipase and Its Function: Lipase is a crucial protein (enzyme) released by the pancreas, and its primary role is to facilitate the absorption of fats in the small intestine.

2. Blood Lipase Test: The blood lipase test involves drawing blood from a vein, typically from the elbow or back of the hand. This blood sample is then analyzed to measure the amount of lipase present.

3. Test Procedure: The test is performed through venipuncture, and preparation may include fasting for 8 hours. Additionally, discontinuation of certain medications, such as birth control pills and opiates, might be necessary to ensure accurate results.

4. Purpose of the Test: The blood lipase test is conducted to check for diseases of the pancreas, particularly acute pancreatitis. Elevated levels of lipase in the blood indicate pancreatic damage.

5. Normal and Abnormal Results: Normal lipase levels typically range from 0 to 160 units per liter (U/L). Abnormal results, indicating higher-than-normal lipase levels, may be associated with various conditions such as bowel obstruction, pancreatic cancer, and pancreatitis.

6. Risks Associated with the Test: The risks of the blood lipase test are minimal, including potential bleeding, fainting, or infection at the needle puncture site. However, these risks are generally rare.

7. References: The information presented in the article is supported by references to reputable sources, including the American Gastroenterological Association Institute, clinical guidelines, and authoritative medical textbooks such as Goldman-Cecil Medicine.

8. Clinical Applications: The blood lipase test is an integral part of diagnosing and managing pancreatitis, as well as other gastrointestinal and pancreatic disorders. It plays a crucial role in the initial assessment of acute pancreatitis.

In conclusion, the provided information on pancreatitis and the blood lipase test is comprehensive and reliable, drawing on established medical knowledge and guidelines. The integration of references from reputable sources further enhances the credibility of the content. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.