A lipase blood test actions the level of the enzyme lipase in the blood. The pancreas produces most of the body’s lipase. Excessively high levels (three or more times normal) may be a sign of acute pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases.
What is a lipase blood test?
A blood lipase test (serum lipase test) measures the amount of the enzyme lipase in the blood. The pancreas produces most of the body’s lipase. (The stomach and salivary glands produce less.) During digestion, lipase passes from the pancreas to the minor intestine, where it helps digest fats.
A small amount of lipase in the blood is normal. However, high levels may indicate that the pancreas is secreting lipase due to an injury. High lipase levels may be a sign of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or other conditions.
Why would a doctor order a lipase test?
Doctors often order a lipase blood test if you have symptoms of acute pancreatitis.
Symptoms include:
- Moderate to severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the lower back.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Rapid, shallow breathing.
These symptoms, along with exceptionally high lipase levels, are the primary criteria doctors use to diagnose acute pancreatitis.
A lipase blood test, along with other pancreatic blood tests, such as an amylase test, can help doctors diagnose pancreatic diseases such as a pancreatic cyst or pancreatic duct obstruction. It can also help them identify the cause of the inflammation. Lipase levels can also be elevated in some non-pancreatic diseases, such as kidney, stomach, and intestinal diseases. In some cases, a blood lipase test can show how you’re responding to treatment for an underlying condition. Your doctor will tell you if you need to repeat lipase tests.
Test Details
How does the test work?
This is a simple blood test. During the test, a healthcare professional takes a blood example and sends it to a laboratory. A lab technician will analyze the sample to determine the lipase level.
How do I prepare for a lipase test?
You will need to fast and drink only water 8 to 12 hours before the blood test.
Consult your doctor if you need to stop taking any medications before the blood test. This comprises prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and supplements. For example, some medications can increase lipase levels, making it difficult to determine if you have a medical condition that is causing elevated lipase.
These include:
- Birth control pills.
- Pain relievers (such as codeine).
- Cholesterol-lowering medications.
- Never stop taking any medication unless directed by your doctor.
What should I expect during the test?
The test takes less than five minutes. First, a health care professional will clean the area of your arm where the blood sample will be taken. They will mildly insert a needle into a vein and gather the blood in a tube. You may feel a slight tingling sensation as the needle is inserted.
After the needle is removed, a bandage will be applied to the injection site.
What should I expect after the test?
Most people are safe to leave after they’ve given blood. You may need to wait a bit if you feel dizzy or light-headed. Your healthcare provider will ensure you’re safe to leave before you go.
What are the risks of this test?
The lipase blood test is a safe test with a minimal risk of side effects. A bruise may seem at the injection site. Some people may feel dizzy after the blood draw. However, most people who undergo this test do not experience any problems.
Results and Follow-up
What results do you get and what do they mean?
Your test result will be a number within or outside the normal range. The normal range for serum lipase varies by laboratory.
- Generally, a normal lipase level is between 0 and 160 units per liter (IU/L).
- However, many factors influence a “normal” result. These factors include your age, sex, and health status.
- High Values
- A result three or more times the upper limit of normal may be a sign of acute pancreatitis.
Other conditions associated with high lipase levels include:
- Obstruction of the pancreatic duct (the main tube that drains the pancreas).
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Celiac disease.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Kidney failure. Gallbladder disease.
- Inflammation of the salivary glands (sialadenitis).
- Peptic ulcer. Alcohol use disorder.
Low Level
A low level may mean that the cells in your pancreas that make lipase are not making enough. This can happen if you have a chronic condition that causes long-term damage to your pancreatic cells.
Low lipase may be a sign of:
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Chronic pancreatitis.
When should I get my test results?
The turnaround time for the test is usually two to three days. But it depends on how long it takes the lab to process the results. Before you leave your appointment, ask when you can expect your results and how you will receive them.
If your results are abnormal, what should you do next?
If you have very high lipase and symptoms of acute pancreatitis, your doctor may recommend treatment. But sometimes acute pancreatitis goes away on its own. Much depends on the severity of your symptoms and the cause of the inflammation.
If your symptoms don’t point to pancreatitis, you may need additional blood tests or imaging tests before your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis.
When should you see a doctor?
See your doctor if you have unexplained abdominal pain. You may need a lipase test to determine if you have acute pancreatitis. Your doctor can recommend treatment based on the cause of your symptoms.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
What lipase levels are cause for concern?
An extremely high level (three or more times the upper limit of normal) may be a sign of acute pancreatitis. It’s important to see a doctor right away if you have this condition.
However, a high (or low) level alone is usually not enough to make a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will consider your level along with other factors, such as your symptoms and other test results, to determine the treatment you need.
What are the symptoms of high lipase?
The symptoms depend on the cause of the high lipase. For example, the most common symptom of acute pancreatitis is abdominal pain that radiates to the lower back. Other symptoms, such as fever and nausea, may also indicate a condition associated with elevated lipase levels.
Overview
It can be frustrating trying to decipher blood test results. This is especially true when the results are outside the usual range. But try not to wall to conclusions if your lipase test results are high or low. Exceptionally high levels can indicate pancreatitis. However, many conditions (and even medications) can affect your levels. Consider your results for what they are: an important resource your doctor can use to determine the cause of your symptoms.