Lipase Test

What is Lipase?

Lipases are digestive enzymes necessary for the digestion and absorption of lipids (fats). Lipase breaks down fats known as triglycerides to free fatty acids and glycerol (a sugar alcohol), which can then be absorbed by the gut. Lipase is mainly produced in the pancreas, which lies behind the stomach. It is present in the pancreatic secretions that flow into the small intestine where it is vital for fat digestion and absorption. Smaller amounts of lipases are also produced in the stomach and the salivary glands situated in the mouth (they produce saliva).

What is a Lipase test?

The lipase test measures the lipase concentration in your blood.

Why is a Lipase test important?

A lipase test is most commonly used in the diagnosis of acute and chronic pancreatitis. The acute form of pancreatitis starts suddenly and is short-term, whereas the chronic form is a long-term condition that progressively worsens. Acute pancreatitis is curable when treated. However, while chronic pancreatitis is not curable, it is manageable through treatment and lifestyle changes. The lipase test may also be used to monitor the condition and to check that any treatment is working.

Additionally, the lipase test may be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of other diseases and conditions affecting the pancreas, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease. It may also be useful for detecting pancreatic cysts, peritonitis, and to identify injury and blockages in the intestines.

Who should have their Lipase level tested?

A lipase test may be required when symptoms indicate a problem with the pancreas. Symptoms are usually linked to the pancreatic inflammation and changes in the release of digestive enzymes. Symptoms include:

• Pain in the upper abdominal pain, that is usually severe, often worse after eating, and can radiate through to the back. Pain is sudden and sharp in acute cases, and persistent in chronic cases
• Swollen abdomen that is tender to the touch and on pressure
• Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
• Elevated body temperature and fever
• Cases of severe acute pancreatitis may also experience hypotension, breathlessness, and/or jaundice (yellowy skin and eye whites)
• Cases of severe chronic pancreatitis may also experience diarrhoea, discomfort and problems with digestion after a fatty meal, greasy, foul-smelling stools, unintentional weight loss, and/or jaundice

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis are usually linked to sudden inflammation, which is caused by pancreatic enzymes attacking the pancreas. With chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic inflammation has been going on a long time. Long-term inflammation can result in damage to the cells producing digestive enzymes. The most common cause of acute and chronic pancreatitis is alcohol abuse.

A lipase test will particularly be considered if an individual with symptoms is also at greater risk of pancreatitis, such as those with:

• Unmodifiable risk factors: men (vs women), African Americans (vs. other ethnicities), a family history of pancreatitis or gallstones, and/or a personal history of gallstones and mumps
• Medical conditions: cystic fibrosis, pancreatic conditions, gallstones, diabetes, very high triglyceride levels, and certain autoimmune diseases
• Health issues: excessive alcohol use, obesity, and smoking.

How to test for Lipase?

The level of lipase is measured in a blood sample, which can be either collected by you at home or collected by a healthcare professional. With self-collection, The Online Clinic provides a blood sample collection kit, instructions on how to do a finger prick test, and packaging for sample posting to a laboratory. The healthcare professional will collect a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. All results are sent to the healthcare professional at The Online Clinic who will interpret their meaning.

Certain factors can affect the results of the lipase test. These include:

• eating a fatty meal before blood sampling can cause a temporary small rise in lipase level (fasting 8-12 hours may be required before the test)
• reduced kidney function can raise lipase levels (seen in cases of type 1 and 2 diabetes and hypertension)
• medications may also elevate lipase levels, such as those treating HIV (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors) and infections (sulphonamides); those used for weight loss; and those acting on lipases (some cholesterol-lowering drugs).

To avoid false lipase test results and/or their interpretation, discuss with the healthcare professional any medical conditions and medicines that you are taking.

What are normal Lipase test results?

Generally, the normal serum lipase level falls within a reference range of 0 to 160 U/l (units per litre). What is considered ‘normal’ for an individual will depend on their age, sex, medical conditions, medicines, and on the laboratory’s testing methods.

High lipase levels may be signs of acute pancreatitis. Other indicated conditions include blocked pancreatic duct, pancreatic cancer, gall bladder disease, stomach and gut ulcers, intestinal obstructions, celiac disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and alcohol use disorder. Low lipase levels may indicate chronic pancreatitis or a chronic condition such as cystic fibrosis.

Lipase levels alone are not usually sufficient to make a diagnosis of an abnormal test result. Symptoms, other factors, and results of other diagnostic tests (e.g., amylase levels) will be considered to determine the appropriate course of care.

How to maintain normal Lipase levels

Lipase levels are affected by several factors that an individual can change; these include:

• Reduction in the amount of fat in the diet: this reduces the amount of lipase released into the small intestine to digest dietary fat
• Maintaining a healthy body weight: Obesity increases the chances of gallstones and too much fat in the liver, which can affect pancreatic function and therefore lipase levels
• Reduction in alcohol consumption: excessive and/or regular alcohol consumption causes inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can affect lipase levels
• Adequate hydration: supports pancreatic function and reduces the risk of inflammation
• Smoking cessation: smoking increases the risk of pancreatic damage and inflammation, potentially altering lipase levels.

References

Cleveland Clinic. Lipase blood test. Last updated 16 Jul 2024. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/lipase-blood-test Accessed 09 Jul 2026.

Lim SY, Steiner JM, Cridge H. Lipases: it’s not just pancreatic lipase! Am J Vet Res. 2022;83(8):ajvr.22.03.0048.

MedlinePlus. Lipase tests. Last updated 07 May 2025. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/lipase-tests/ Accessed 09 Jul 2026.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Definitions & Facts for Pancreatitis. Last reviewed Nov 2017. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/pancreatitis/definition-facts Accessed 09 Jul 2025.

Pirahanchi Y, Sharma S. Biochemistry, Lipase. Last updated 26 Jun 2023. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537346/