Description
Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas to help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Lipase is usually present in the blood in small quantities. When cells in the pancreas are injured or the pancreatic duct is blocked the increased amounts of lipase leak into the bloodstream, increasing blood concentrations.
This test is ordered when a patient has symptoms of a pancreatic problem, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, or nausea. It also helps, ordered at intervals, when a doctor wants to monitor a patient with a pancreas condition to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and to determine whether the lipase levels are increasing or decreasing over time.
Lipase testing is also occasionally used in the diagnosis and follow-up of cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease.
Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.
Purpose of the test
To meassure the concentration of Lipase enzyme in blood in order to diagnose and monitor pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases.
It is ordered when the patient has symptoms of a pancreatic disorder, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, or nausea.
Reference range values
52 – 336 U/L
Abnormal findings
Very high levels of Lipase in blood can be due to acute pancreatitis.
High levels are also found with pancreatic duct obstruction, pancreatic cancer, and other pancreatic diseases.
Moderately increased lipase values may occur with kidney disease, salivary gland inflammation, a bowel obstruction, or peptic ulcer disease.
Low lipase levels may indicate permanent damage to the lipase-producing cells in the pancreas.