Lipase Test-Why am I having this test?

Lipase test is often used to check for problems with the pancreas. Lipase is a protein (enzyme) that is released by the pancreas into the small intestine to help digest a type of fat called triglycerides.

You may have this test if your health care provider suspects that you have damage to or an infection of your pancreas (pancreatitis). These problems can cause your pancreas to release more lipase. The test is often done along with other blood tests.

If you have abdominal pain, your health care provider may use this test to help figure out the cause of your pain. The test can help determine if the pain is related to your pancreas or to other causes.

What is being tested?

This test measures the amount of lipase in your blood.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

How do I prepare for this test?

• Do not eat or drink anything except water for 8–12 hours before the test or as told by your health care provider.
• Tell your health care provider about all medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as values that indicate the amount of lipase in your blood. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, a common reference range is:

• 0–160 units/L or 0 to 2.67 microkat/L (μkat/L) in SI units.

What do the results mean?

Lipase levels that are higher than the reference range can be seen with many health conditions. These may include:

• Disease of the pancreas.
• Disease of the gallbladder.
• Kidney failure.
• Bowel obstruction or infarction, which means death of tissue due to a lack of blood supply.
• Swelling or infection of salivary glands.
• Peptic ulcer disease.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• The lipase test is often used to check for problems with the pancreas. Lipase is a protein (enzyme) that is released by the pancreas to help digest a type of fat called triglycerides.
• You may have this test if your health care provider suspects that you have damage to or an infection of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis can cause your pancreas to release more lipase. Lipase levels that are higher than normal can indicate other health conditions, too.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.