Lipase
A lipase blood test measures the amount of the enzyme lipase in the blood. The pancreas produces most of the body's lipase, and during digestion it flows from the pancreas to the small intestine, where it helps digest fats. It is normal to have small amounts of lipase in the blood.
Why it matters: Providers usually order a lipase blood test when there are symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Alongside other pancreatic blood tests such as an amylase test, it can help diagnose pancreatic disorders such as a pancreatic cyst or a blocked pancreatic duct, and help pinpoint the issue causing the inflammation. Extremely high levels may signal acute pancreatitis or another pancreatic disorder. Other conditions associated with high lipase include bowel obstruction, coeliac disease, diabetes-related ketoacidosis, chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, gallbladder disease, gallstones, salivary gland inflammation, peptic ulcer and alcohol use disorder. Low lipase may be a sign of cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis. In some cases the test can also show how someone is responding to treatment for the underlying condition.
Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions
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May decrease with:
What is Lipase?
A lipase blood test measures the amount of the enzyme lipase in the blood. The pancreas produces most of the body's lipase, and during digestion it flows from the pancreas to the small intestine, where it helps digest fats. It is normal to have small amounts of lipase in the blood.
What might a high or low Lipase mean?
Providers usually order a lipase blood test when there are symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Alongside other pancreatic blood tests such as an amylase test, it can help diagnose pancreatic disorders such as a pancreatic cyst or a blocked pancreatic duct, and help pinpoint the issue causing the inflammation. Extremely high levels may signal acute pancreatitis or another pancreatic disorder. Other conditions associated with high lipase include bowel obstruction, coeliac disease, diabetes-related ketoacidosis, chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, gallbladder disease, gallstones, salivary gland inflammation, peptic ulcer and alcohol use disorder. Low lipase may be a sign of cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis. In some cases the test can also show how someone is responding to treatment for the underlying condition.
What is the typical reference range for Lipase?
The general-population reference range shown here is < 60 U/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.
What can affect Lipase?
It may be higher with: Injury to the pancreas, which causes it to release lipase, Some medicines, including certain birth control pills, pain medicines, diuretics and cholesterol medicines. It may be lower with: A chronic condition causing long-term damage to the pancreas cells that make lipase.