Lipase Serum Test

Lipase test is measured to diagnose and monitor acute pancreatitis; also, sometimes to diagnose and monitor chronic pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases.,

Your doctor may recommend lipase test for you if you have the symptoms of a pancreatic disorder. These include:

• extreme upper abdominal pain or back pain
• fever
• oily or fatty stools
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• nausea
• vomiting

Lipase is one of the many enzymes produced by the pancreas to help digest dietary fats. Lipase test measures the amount of the lipase enzyme in the blood.

The test is used to :
- Diagnose suspected cases of acute pancreatitis
- Monitor the effectiveness of treatment for pancreatic disease.
- Monitor the pancreatic affection in cases of crohn's disease, coeliac disease and cystic fibrosis.  

The test measures the levels of lipase in the blood. 

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

High levels of lipase may occur due to pancreatic cancers, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, gall bladder disease. 
Low levels may occur due to certain chronic disorders like cystic fibrosis, and coeliac disease.