What is lipase?
Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas.
What is a lipase test?
A lipase test is usually used to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Pancreatitis symptoms
Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper abdomen and radiating to the back, may indicate pancreatitis.
Major risk factors for pancreatitis are gallstones and excessive alcohol intake.
How is a lipase test performed?
A lipase test requires a few millilitres of blood from a vein.
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Lipase test results explained
A markedly elevated level of lipase in the bloodstream (the enzyme can also be tested for in urine but this is rarely performed) almost certainly indicates a diagnosis of pancreatitis (inflamation of the pancreas).
A normal level may sometimes be seen in a flare-up of chronic pancreatitis, when the pancreas is so severely damaged from previous episodes of inflammation that there is insufficient pancreatic tissue to raise the enzyme level in the blood.
Related specialists
- General Practitioner (GP)
- Gastroenterologist
- Hepatologist
- General Surgeon
- Emergency Physician
- General Physician
Related procedures
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Related tests
Links
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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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