Skip to main content
Your session has expired. Reloading...

Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Liver

Lipase

Lipase testing provides a specific assessment of pancreatic function. As the preferred marker for diagnosing pancreatitis, regular monitoring supports early detection and informed health decisions.

What It Measures

Lipase is an enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas that plays an essential role in fat digestion. It breaks down dietary triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol, which the body can then absorb.

This test measures the concentration of lipase in your blood. Under normal circumstances, only small amounts of lipase are present in the bloodstream. Significantly elevated levels are highly suggestive of pancreatic inflammation or damage, making lipase a more reliable indicator of pancreatitis than amylase.

Why It Matters

Lipase is the preferred marker for diagnosing acute pancreatitis due to its high specificity for the pancreas. Levels typically rise within hours of pancreatic injury and remain elevated longer than amylase, providing a wider diagnostic window.

Monitoring lipase levels is also valuable for tracking chronic pancreatic conditions, evaluating the effectiveness of treatment, and detecting complications such as pancreatic pseudocysts or bile duct obstruction.

When to Test

Testing is recommended when pancreatitis is suspected, particularly in the presence of severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, and vomiting. It could also be indicated for monitoring known pancreatic conditions.

Lipase testing may additionally be ordered to evaluate unexplained abdominal pain, to assess bile duct obstruction, or as part of a comprehensive evaluation when pancreatic cancer is being considered.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Difficulty digesting fatty foods
Bloating and discomfort after meals
Oily or foul-smelling stools
Unintended weight loss

High Levels

Severe abdominal pain, often radiating to the back
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills
Rapid heart rate
Abdominal tenderness and swelling

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low lipase is generally not clinically significant. No action typically needed.

If High

Elevated lipase strongly suggests pancreatic inflammation. Seek prompt medical evaluation, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain.

Female

If Low

Low lipase is generally not clinically significant. No action typically needed.

If High

Elevated lipase strongly suggests pancreatic inflammation. Seek prompt medical evaluation, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain.

Lifestyle Tips

Limiting alcohol consumption is essential, as alcohol is one of the leading causes of pancreatitis. A low-fat diet can reduce the workload on the pancreas and may help prevent flare-ups in individuals with pancreatic conditions.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals to support digestion. Avoid smoking, which is an independent risk factor for pancreatic disease. Stay well hydrated and maintain a healthy weight, as obesity increases the risk of gallstones, which can cause pancreatitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is lipase preferred over amylase for diagnosing pancreatitis?
Lipase is more specific to the pancreas and remains elevated longer after pancreatic injury, providing a wider window for diagnosis. Amylase can also be elevated due to salivary gland conditions and other non-pancreatic causes.
Can low lipase levels cause health problems?
Persistently low lipase may indicate chronic pancreatic insufficiency, where the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes for proper fat digestion. This can lead to malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies. Consult your healthcare provider for evaluation.
What should I do if my lipase levels are very high?
Very high lipase levels, especially combined with severe abdominal pain, may indicate acute pancreatitis, which requires prompt medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and appropriate treatment.