Lipase Test – Price, Normal Range, Serum Levels & High Lipase Meaning
Lipase Test: Meaning, Normal Range, Cost, and What High Lipase Levels Indicate
The lipase test is a simple blood test that helps assess your pancreas's health by measuring the level of lipase, a digestive enzyme, in your bloodstream. This article discusses what the lipase test actually measures and the meaning of lipase levels that are too high.
Keep reading to discover all you need to know about the serum lipase test, its preparation, procedure, lipase test price, normal values, and the meaning of abnormal results.
Quick Highlights
| Also Known As | Lipase Serum Test, Serum Lipase, LPS |
| Test Type | Blood test |
| Purpose | Helps in diagnosing acute and chronic pancreatitis and supports differentiation of pancreatic from nonpancreatic abdominal pain. |
| Fasting | Yes, 8-12 hours (if advised by your healthcare provider) |
| Report Time | Few hours to 1 day |
| Cost | 810 |
What is a Lipase Test?
A lipase blood test is used to determine the level of lipase in the blood. Lipase is an enzyme that is produced to help your body digest and absorb fats. The pancreas makes most of the lipase, but the salivary glands and the stomach also do some.
Typically, there is very little lipase in the bloodstream. However, if the pancreas becomes inflamed or the cells of the pancreas are damaged, more lipase enters the blood. High levels of lipase can help detect conditions like pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases. A serum lipase test is ordered with other tests to aid in the diagnosis and management of these disorders.
Why is a Lipase Test Done?
A lipase test may be ordered if symptoms indicate inflammation or another disorder of the pancreas. The test can also be performed to track the stage of the known pancreatic disease during treatment.
A lipase test can help your healthcare provider determine the cause of the problem and find the right treatment.
Symptoms That Need a Lipase Test
Your doctor might order a blood test for lipase if you have symptoms of:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pain that spreads to the back
- Abdominal bloating or discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Stools that are pale or oily and smelly
- Loss of appetite accompanied by unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
These symptoms may indicate pancreatic disease, including acute pancreatitis, and should be evaluated promptly.
How is a Lipase Test Performed?
The lipase test procedure is very simple and is similar to any other routine blood test. The first step is for a healthcare provider to place an elastic band around the upper arm to make the veins more visible. A tiny needle is used to draw the blood from a vein, after cleansing the skin with an antiseptic solution.
The sample is then taken to a laboratory to determine the level of lipase in the sample and analyse it. The waiting time for the results can vary from one lab to another. Your health care provider will discuss the results with you and explain the significance of the results in relation to your symptoms and health.
How Do I Prepare for a Lipase Test?
Usually, a blood test will require fasting for 8–12 hours beforehand. At this time, all foods and drinks should be avoided except water. You should also tell your health care provider about any prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, herbs, or dietary supplements that you are using.
A few medicines increase lipase levels and can make it harder to find out if a person has an underlying health condition causing the abnormal result. Some of these medications are:
- Birth control pills
- Pain-relieving medicines such as codeine
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Certain cholesterol-lowering medications
You must not stop any medications without speaking to a health care provider.
Normal Range in Lipase Test Results
Your doctor will use your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and other tests to interpret the lipase test results. The following table shows some typical adult lipase normal ranges.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Elevated | Low |
| Serum Lipase (Adults under 60 years) | 10–140 U/L | Above 140 U/L | Below 10 U/L |
| Serum Lipase (Adults aged 60 years and above) | 24–151 U/L | Above 151 U/L | Below 24 U/L |
These reference ranges are general guidelines. The lipase serum normal range may differ slightly between laboratories depending on the testing method used.
The lipase normal range for females is generally the same as that for adult males unless otherwise specified by the testing laboratory. Your results will always be interpreted according to your clinical picture, symptoms, and age, and not just your gender.
Lipase Levels During Certain Medical Conditions
Some diseases can also cause abnormalities in the lipase levels without causing any problems to the pancreas.
- Severe kidney disease: If a person's kidneys are very poor, they may have high levels of lipase in the bloodstream, but have no underlying pancreatic disorder.
- Some drugs: Drugs (including codeine, morphine, diuretics, and contraceptives containing hormones) may also cause lipase to rise without being related to pancreatitis.
- Timing of the test: Lipase usually reaches its highest level around 24 hours after pancreatic injury and gradually returns to normal within 8 to 14 days. Testing very early after symptoms begin may produce readings that are still within the normal range.
Test Results Interpretation
Lipase is measured by the serum lipase test in units per litre (U/L) of blood. There are three common ways to interpret the meaning.
1. Normal Lipase Levels
The normal range for the lipase is usually 10 to 140 U/L, but it can differ slightly between labs. These normal values for lipase will usually suggest normal pancreatic function and minimal pancreatic damage.
2. Elevated Lipase Levels
Acute pancreatitis is usually accompanied by a high level of lipase, typically 3 or more times the normal level. Further tests, such as amylase level estimation and imaging (X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound), may be suggested to help confirm the diagnosis.
Apart from acute pancreatitis, high lipase levels may include:
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gallstones
- Some of the problems that occur with cystic fibrosis
- Intestinal obstruction
- Kidney failure, particularly when kidney function is impaired
3. Low Lipase Levels
Low levels of lipase are rare. In very low values, however, the person may have a severe pancreatic insufficiency where the pancreas does not secrete enough digestive enzymes. If this is the case, enzyme replacement may be necessary.
Risks of a Lipase Test
A serum lipase test is a routine and safe blood test that carries very little risk. The procedure is generally performed without any major complications.
You will see some mild bruising, mild tenderness or discomfort at the needle insertion site after the blood sample is taken. Some might become dizzy or faint during or shortly after taking their blood. Such effects are typically temporary and go away on their own, though.
The procedure of the lipase test is actually low-risk and can be safely performed in hospitals, diagnostic centres, and clinics.
Benefits Of The Lipase Test
A lipase test can be ordered to help diagnose some disorders of the pancreas and digestive system. An abnormal level of lipase, combined with your symptoms, medical history, and other tests, can help determine your general health.
The test can be used to identify:
- Acute pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the pancreas)
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Blocked pancreatic duct
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
- Intestinal blockage or reduced blood supply to the intestines
- Kidney disease, which may contribute to a high level of lipase
- Cystic fibrosis, which may be associated with lower-than-normal lipase levels
In many cases, a result that is three or more times above the upper limit of the lipase level normal range strongly suggests acute pancreatitis. Low lipase levels, on the other hand, can mean that the pancreas has been damaged for some time.
Who Should Get a Lipase Test?
A lipase test might be recommended to:
- People who are suffering from extreme abdominal pain
- People who are being closely monitored for suspected pancreatic disorders
- People with diagnosed pancreatic disorders
- People who are suffering from unexplained gastrointestinal problems
Lipase Test Costs in India
The price of the lipase test depends on the location of the city, the diagnostic laboratory, and the healthcare provider. The test is typically available in most places and at a relatively low cost. In India, the test may typically cost between ₹300 to ₹1,100, depending on the city.
The actual lipase test price may vary between laboratories and healthcare facilities, so it is advised to confirm the cost before booking the test.
Reader Information: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Test results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional based on your symptoms and medical history. The cost of a lipase test and insurance coverage may vary depending on your location, diagnostic centre, and health plan. Always consult your doctor for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and guidance regarding test necessity and insurance eligibility.
FAQs
The lipase test helps determine the amount of the enzyme lipase that the digestive system produces primarily in the pancreas. It can be used to aid the diagnosis of disorders of the pancreas, like acute and chronic pancreatitis. It also helps track the treatment of pancreatic disorders.
Normal ranges for the lipase vary from one laboratory to another and from one age group to another. In general, the serum lipase level is 10-140 U/L in adults under 60 years and 24-151 U/L in adults 60 years and older.
The high lipase level is usually indicative of pancreatitis, specifically acute pancreatitis. A high level of lipase may also be caused by gallstones, kidney disease, intestinal diseases, or some medications; however, further evaluation is typically needed.
Yes, a common recommendation is to fast before performing a serum lipase test. To ensure accurate and reliable results, most health care professionals recommend not eating or drinking, other than water, 8 to 12 hours before the test.
The lipase test procedure requires a small amount of blood to be taken from a vein in the arm using a sterile needle. The sample is taken to a laboratory where it is analysed, and the process typically only takes a few minutes.
The lipase test is highly safe and risk-free. Mild bruising, slight discomfort, or temporary dizziness may occur after the blood is drawn, but this is usually temporary and does not require any treatment.
Yes. Some drugs may raise lipase levels, such as codeine, birth control pills, diuretics, and certain cholesterol-lowering drugs. Let your healthcare provider know about all medicines and supplements that you take before you get tested, so that your test results can be interpreted correctly.
A lipase test may be ordered when you have very severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, bloating, jaundice, and oily stools. These symptoms may indicate pancreatic disease, and the test can determine if there is inflammation of the pancreas.
The lipase test price varies depending on the city, laboratory, and healthcare provider. The cost of the test is typically in the range of ₹850 to ₹1,100 in India, but can vary depending on the diagnostic centre and the healthcare packages offered.
No. The serum lipase test is a valuable screening test. But it is typically used in conjunction with your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and other lab work to diagnose a pancreatic disorder.
Other Related Topics
This content is for educational and awareness purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any medication, treatment, healthcare provider, or healthcare facility. Information provided may change over time. the listed hospitals in the article are included in the Star health network. Please verify the latest details, including insurance-related eligibility, with your insurer before seeking medical care, and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any healthcare decisions.
