Lipase Test

A Lipase test is used to measure the amount of lipase in a blood sample. The test is also known as a serum lipase test or LPS test. 

Lipase is a digestive enzyme (a substance that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms), and is used to break down fats in your body. Most of the lipase in your body is produced by your pancreas, salivary glands, and stomach. High levels of lipase occur when the pancreas is damaged or in conditions such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). It can also occur in other conditions like pancreatic cancer, a blocked pancreatic tube, peptic ulcers, and gallbladder disease. Therefore, doctors recommend this test for early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic conditions that may become serious if left untreated.

The Lipase test is advised if you are experiencing the following symptoms of a pancreatic disorder:

• Inflamed belly 
• Fever 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) 
• Sudden or severe abdominal pain
• Abdominal tenderness 
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Foul-smelling stools 

The following categories of people are at high risk for abnormal lipase levels: 

• Individuals with eating disorders - Patients suffering from eating disorders have elevated lipase levels that may or may not be associated with pancreatitis.
• Individuals with cystic fibrosis - Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs, intestines, pancreas, and other organs. Serum pancreatic lipase activity is significantly altered and usually lowered in patients with cystic fibrosis.
• Individuals consuming an excessive amount of alcohol - Individuals with a history of long-term alcohol intake may have higher levels of serum lipase.

Although the lipase blood test cannot directly diagnose any disorder, it can be used to help diagnose and monitor certain conditions, such as: 

• Acute pancreatitis - This occurs when digestive enzymes are activated within the pancreas leading to its damage.
• Chronic pancreatitis - This refers to a long-term disease characterised by inflammation of the pancreas.
• Cystic fibrosis - This is a genetic (received from parents) disease that affects your lungs, intestines, pancreas, and other organs.
• Crohn’s disease – This is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which the immune system causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.
• Celiac disease – This is an autoimmune disease in which eating gluten triggers the immune system to damage the lining of the small intestine.
• Pancreatic cyst – A fluid-filled sac within or on the pancreas. 
• Peritonitis – Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum (the thin membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen and covers many abdominal organs). 
• Infarcted bowel – A condition in which a portion of the intestine loses its blood supply.

What to Expect Before the LipaseTest

No fasting is required for a standalone Lipase test. You can eat and drink normally. However, if it is part of a broader package that includes fasting tests, your doctor may advise fasting for 8-12 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test, as intense physical activity can temporarily raise Lipase levels and affect interpretation. Always inform your doctor about any ongoing medications.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

A phlebotomist cleans the skin with an antiseptic, then places an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins easier to access. A small needle is inserted into the vein; you may feel a brief pinch. Blood is collected into a labelled tube in under a minute.

What to Expect After the Lipase Test

A small cotton swab and bandage are placed over the site to stop any minor bleeding. You can return to normal activities immediately. Minor bruising is normal and disappears quickly. If dizzy, sit and rest for a few minutes.

In the serum lipase test, the primary parameter being measured is: 

• The level of lipase in the blood. 

The Lipase test normal range is indicated in the table below. 

Note: The normal range may vary a little depending on the laboratory and individual health conditions. 

Note: 

• The results should always be interpreted along with the patient’s medical history, clinical symptoms, and serum amylase levels. 

• Serum lipase levels are usually normal in patients with elevated serum amylase who have peptic ulcer, salivary adenitis (inflammation of the salivary gland), inflammatory bowel disease (inflammation of the digestive tract), intestinal obstruction, and macroamylasaemia (a condition in which amylase binds to proteins in the blood, causing high blood amylase levels on lab tests).

Risks:

• The Lipase test is generally safe. You may experience slight pain, bruising, or discomfort when the needle is inserted. However, mild bruising is usually uncommon and heals quickly without treatment. 

Limitations:

• Certain medicines, such as codeine, diuretics, opiates, cholesterol medications, and birth control pills, can have an impact on your lipase levels.
• Kidney disease may elevate serum lipase. 

Depending on your symptoms and results, your doctor may recommend certain additional tests to better understand your condition. These may include: 

• Amylase blood test (Serum amylase) -
• Sweat chloride test (to rule out cystic fibrosis)
• Blood glucagon test 
• Stool elastase test
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)