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Lipase test
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 the lipase in the blood.
Enzyme
Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change in all parts of the body. For example, they can help break down the foods we eat ...
How the Test is Performed
A sample of blood will be taken from a vein .
Blood will be taken from a vein
Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.
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:
- Bethanechol
- Birth control pills
- Cholinergic medications
- Codeine
- Indomethacin
- Meperidine
- Methacholine
- Morphine
- Thiazide diuretics
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 .
Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is sudden swelling and inflammation of the pancreas.
Lipase appears 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 labs. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your test results.
Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels may be due to:
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Blockage of the bowel
(bowel obstruction)
Blockage of the bowel
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Celiac disease
-
Duodenal ulcer
Duodenal ulcer
A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or intestine. A gastric ulcer occurs in the stomach. A duodenal ulcer occurs ...
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Cancer
of the pancreas
Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas.
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Infection or swelling of the pancreas
Infection or swelling of the pancreas
Pancreatitis is swelling of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis is present when this problem does not heal or improve, gets worse over time, and lead...
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This test may also be done for familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency .
Familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency
Familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency is a group of rare genetic disorders in which a person lacks a protein needed to break down fat molecules. Th...
Risks
There is very little risk from your blood taken.
Other uncommon risks may include:
- Bleeding from the needle puncture site
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Blood collecting under the skin
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Forsmark CE. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 144.
Tenner S, Steinberg WM. Acute pancreatitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 58.
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Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
-
Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Review Date: 2/4/2015
Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist with gastrointestinal specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
