pancreas diseases Lipase

How is it used?
The blood test for lipase is used to help diagnose pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) and other pancreatic disease. It is also used to a lesser extent in the diagnosis and follow-up of cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease.


When is it ordered?
A lipase test may be ordered if you show symptoms of a pancreatic disorder, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, or nausea.


What does the test result mean?
NOTE: A standard reference range is not available for this test. Because reference values are dependent on many factors, including patient age, gender, sample population, and test method, numeric test results have different meanings in different labs. Your lab report should include the specific reference range for your test. Lab Tests Online strongly recommends that you discuss your test results with your doctor. For more information on reference ranges, please read Reference Ranges and What They Mean.

Normal values for lipase depend on the test used to measure it. In acute pancreatitis, lipase levels are very high, often 2 to 5 times the normal amount. Slightly high lipase values may occur in other conditions such as kidney disease, salivary gland inflammation, or peptic ulcer disease. Occasionally lipase is high due to a tumor (cancer). The rapid and sharp rise of lipase in the blood within hours after the beginning of an attack, and the decline after about 4 days, usually indicates acute pancreatitis.


Is there anything else I should know?
In acute pancreatitis, elevated lipase levels usually parallel levels of another enzyme called amylase, and remains elevated longer (for 5 to 7 days).
Both lipase and amylase are usually ordered together to diagnose acute pancreatitis. Both may also be used to monitor chronic pancreatitis. Both may be moderately elevated in chronic pancreatic disease and/or levels may fall if the cells that produce amylase and lipase in the pancreas become damaged or destroyed.

Low lipase levels are often associated with diabetes. (If your body is unable to digest fat, this condition interferes with insulin metabolism and with insulin's transport of glucose into the cells.)

Lipase-deficient people may also have high cholesterol and/or high blood triglycerides, high blood pressure, difficulty losing weight, and varicose veins. Drugs that may interfere with maintaining proper lipase levels include codeine, indomethacin, morphine, and drugs with a hydrochloric acid base.

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