Lipase
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To diagnose pancreatitis or other pancreatic disease
When to Get Tested?
If you have symptoms of a pancreatic disease, such as severe tummy pain, fever, loss of appetite or nausea
Sample Required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm
Test Preparation Needed?
None
The Test Sample
What is being tested?
Lipase is an enzyme manufactured primarily by the pancreas. It is released into the digestive tract to help digest fatty foods. It is also important in maintaining cell permeability, that is, allowing the cell wall to let nutrients easily flow in and to let waste easily flow out.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in the arm.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.
The Test
How is it used?
The blood test for lipase is used to help diagnose pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and other pancreatic diseases. It is also used to a lesser extent in the diagnosis and follow-up of cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease and Crohn's disease.
When is it requested?
A lipase test may be used if you show symptoms of a pancreatic disorder, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite or nausea.
What does the test result mean?
Normal values for lipase depend on the test used to measure it. In acute pancreatitis, lipase levels are very high, often 2 to 5 times normal. Slightly high lipase values may occur in other conditions such as kidney disease, salivary gland inflammation, or peptic ulcer disease. Occasionally lipase is high due to a tumour (cancer). A rapid and sharp rise of lipase in the blood within hours after the beginning of an attack, and a decline after about 4 days, usually indicates acute pancreatitis.
Is there anything else I should know?
In acute pancreatitis, the changes seen in lipase levels are usually similar to levels of another enzyme called amylase, but remains elevated longer (for 5 to 7 days).
Lipase and amylase are sometimes used together to diagnose acute pancreatitis. Both may also be used to monitor chronic pancreatitis. Both may be moderately elevated in chronic pancreatic disease but levels may fall if the cells that produce amylase and lipase in the pancreas become damaged or destroyed.
Low lipase levels are often associated with diabetes.
Lipase-deficient people may also have high cholesterol and high blood triglycerides, high blood pressure, difficulty losing weight and varicose veins. Drugs that may interfere with maintaining proper lipase levels include codeine, indomethacin, morphine, and drugs with a hydrochloric acid base.
Common Questions
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Article Sources
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