Lipase
                     LIPASE
WHAT IS A LIPASE TEST?
Lipase is a type of digestive enzyme 
or "digestive juice." It helps your 
body digest fats. Most of your lipase 
is made in your pancreas, an organ 
located behind the lower part of your 
stomach. Lipase is also made in your 
salivary (spit) glands and in your 
stomach.
Source: medlineplus.gov
ABOUT LIPASE TEST
It's normal to have a small amount of 
lipase in your blood. But if the cells of 
your pancreas are damaged, they 
will release larger amounts of lipase. 
So high levels of lipase in your blood 
may mean you have pancreatitis, (an 
inflamed, swollen pancreas) or 
another type of pancreatic disease. 
Source: medlineplus.gov
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Help diagnose diseases of the 
pancreas, especially acute (sudden) 
pancreatitis
Check to see if treatment for 
pancreatic diseases is working
Help diagnose and monitor chronic 
diseases that affect the pancreas
Source: medlineplus.gov
WHY DO YOU NEED A 
LIPASE TEST?
You may need a lipase test if you have symptoms that 
may be caused by a problem with your pancreas. These 
include:
Pain in your upper belly that may spread to your back
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Swollen or tender belly
Fever
Fast heartbeat
Source: medlineplus.gov
WHAT HAPPENS DURING 
A LIPASE TEST?
Lipase is measured with a blood test. 
During a blood test, a health care 
professional will take a blood sample 
from a vein in your arm, using a 
small needle. After the needle is 
inserted, a small amount of blood will 
be collected into a test tube or vial. 
Source: medlineplus.gov
ARE THERE ANY RISKS 
TO THE TEST?
There is very little risk to having a 
blood test. You may have slight pain 
or bruising at the spot where the 
needle was put in, but most 
symptoms go away quickly.
Source: medlineplus.gov
WHAT DO THE RESULTS 
MEAN?
A very high level of lipase is usually a sign of 
acute pancreatitis.
Higher than normal levels of lipase may be 
caused by:
Diseases of the pancreas, including a blocked 
duct (tube), or pancreatic cancer
Chronic kidney disease
Peptic ulcer
Gallbladder disease
Source: medlineplus.gov
LOW LEVELS OF LIPASE
Low levels of lipase may be a sign of 
permanent damage to cells in your 
pancreas that make lipase. This may 
happen in certain chronic (long-
lasting) diseases, such as cystic 
fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis.
Source: medlineplus.gov
NORMAL LEVELS OF 
LIPASE
If your lipase levels are not normal, it 
doesn't always mean you have a 
medical condition that needs 
treatment. Many medicines, 
including codeine, diuretics ("water 
pills"), certain cholesterol medicines, 
and birth control pills, can affect your 
lipase levels.
Source: medlineplus.gov
THANK YOU