Lab test5 min read
Lipase test
A blood test that measures lipase, a digestive enzyme made mostly in the pancreas. It helps doctors look for pancreas problems, especially acute pancreatitis.
According to MedlinePlus, this test measures the level of lipase in the blood, most of which is made in the pancreas, located behind the lower part of the stomach. It is requested to diagnose pancreatic diseases, especially acute pancreatitis, and to monitor chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease and coeliac disease. The NIDDK notes that in diagnosing pancreatitis, doctors look for raised amylase and lipase in the blood alongside the medical history, physical examination and imaging.
It is done on a venous blood sample, and fasting for 8 to 12 hours may be requested (MedlinePlus). MedlinePlus interprets it as follows: very high levels usually indicate acute pancreatitis, a smaller rise may be linked to other diseases (kidney, peptic ulcer, gallbladder, diabetes, salivary glands, alcohol use disorder), and a low level may indicate permanent damage to the pancreas. The source page does not give numeric limits, so none are given here; interpretation depends on the report and the clinical context. The NIDDK places the test within a package that includes glucose and lipid tests, markers of inflammation and imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRCP, endoscopic ultrasound).
What is it?
According to MedlinePlus: lipase is a digestive enzyme, most of which is made in the pancreas, an organ located behind the lower part of the stomach. The test measures the amount of lipase in the blood.
Why is it done?
According to MedlinePlus, the test is requested to help diagnose pancreatic diseases, especially acute pancreatitis, to monitor chronic conditions including cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease and coeliac disease, and to detect bowel obstruction and peritonitis.
Symptoms that prompt it, according to MedlinePlus: abdominal pain that spreads to the lower back, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, a swollen abdomen or tenderness when it is touched, fever, a fast heartbeat, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
The NIDDK notes that doctors diagnose pancreatitis using the medical history, physical examination, tests and imaging, and that the tests look for raised amylase and lipase, as well as blood sugar, blood fats and signs of infection or inflammation.
Preparation
According to MedlinePlus: you may need to fast (no food or drink) for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Tell the provider about the medicines and supplements you take because they may affect the result.
How is it done?
A provider draws a blood sample from a vein in the arm with a needle. According to MedlinePlus, this usually takes under five minutes.
Understanding the result
According to MedlinePlus: very high levels usually indicate acute pancreatitis. A raised level may also be linked to pancreatic or kidney disease, stomach ulcer, gallbladder diseases, diabetes, salivary gland disorders or alcohol use disorder. A low level may indicate permanent damage to the pancreas.
The source page did not give a reference range in a specific unit. Laboratories and guidelines differ, so what counts is your laboratory's report and your doctor's interpretation.
Risks and side effects
According to MedlinePlus: the risk of the test is very small, and slight pain or a bruise at the needle site may occur and usually goes away quickly.
Limits of the test
According to the NIDDK, the diagnosis does not depend on a single test, but on the medical history, examination, tests and imaging. The NIDDK notes that diagnosing chronic pancreatitis may be difficult in its early stages.
When do you need urgent help?
Get urgent care today
- Severe abdominal pain spreading to the back with nausea and vomiting, fever or yellowing of the skin and eyes: these are among the symptoms MedlinePlus lists as reasons for requesting the test; see a doctor or the emergency department the same day. This page does not cover detailed levels of urgency.1
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
Should I fast before a lipase test?
According to MedlinePlus you may need to fast for 8 to 12 hours, so ask the laboratory or your doctor.1
Does a high lipase mean pancreatitis?
According to MedlinePlus, very high levels usually indicate acute pancreatitis, but a rise can occur in other diseases, and the doctor interprets the result together with symptoms and imaging.12
Is the test painful?
Its risk is very small; slight pain or a bruise at the needle site may occur.1
Questions for your doctor
- Do I need to fast before the test, and for how many hours?
- Might my medicines or supplements affect the result?
- What are the causes of my result given my symptoms?
- Do I need imaging or other tests along with lipase?
References
- 1MedlinePlus / NLM. Lipase Tests. medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/lipase-tests/Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-07
- 2NIDDK / NIH. Pancreatitis — Diagnosis. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/pancreatitis/diagnosisHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-07
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
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Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.