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. 

A lipase test, also known as a serum lipase test, is a blood test that measures the level of the digestive enzyme lipase in the blood. It is used to diagnose and monitor conditions related to the pancreas, particularly acute or chronic pancreatitis.

The lipase test detects the level of lipase enzyme in the blood, which can indicate damage or inflammation of the pancreas, as well as other conditions affecting the pancreas or related organs.

Lipase test reports indicate whether the levels of lipase in the blood are within the normal range. Elevated levels may suggest conditions such as acute or chronic pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, pancreatic cancer, or other pancreatic disorders. Low levels may indicate long-term damage to the pancreatic cells, such as in chronic pancreatitis or advanced pancreatic cancer.

Higher-than-normal lipase levels can indicate several conditions, most commonly acute pancreatitis. Other possible causes include bowel obstruction, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic or bile duct blockage, and kidney disease. High levels are typically three to ten times higher than the upper limit of the normal range.

Lowering elevated lipase levels typically involves treating the underlying condition causing the elevation. For acute pancreatitis, treatment may include intravenous fluids, pain management medications, and dietary changes. Addressing underlying issues such as gallstones or certain medications can also help normalise lipase levels.

The benefits of the lipase test include accurate diagnosis of acute and chronic pancreatitis, monitoring of pancreatic conditions and treatment efficacy, identification of other pancreatic and related disorders, early detection and treatment of pancreatitis, and it being a relatively non-invasive and straightforward test compared to other diagnostic procedures.

The lipase test is the primary test used to check for pancreatitis, particularly acute pancreatitis. It may be performed alone or in combination with an amylase lipase test and imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, vomiting, fever, weight loss, and fatty stools. A lipase blood test showing elevated lipase levels, especially when combined with these symptoms, can indicate pancreatitis.

Pancreas pain, typically associated with pancreatitis, is characterised by severe abdominal pain that often starts in the upper middle part of the abdomen and radiates to the back. The pain can worsen after eating and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and tenderness in the abdomen.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-term). Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, weight loss, fatty stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), rapid heartbeat, and abdominal swelling or tenderness.

Long-term consequences of pancreatitis can include permanent damage to the pancreas, chronic pancreatitis leading to malabsorption and diabetes, increased risk of pancreatic cancer, recurrent episodes of pancreatitis, and nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption.

Conditions that can elevate lipase levels include bowel obstruction, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic or bile duct blockage, renal failure, salivary gland inflammation, peptic ulcer disease, cholecystitis, intestinal problems, diabetes, and diabetic ketoacidosis.

The lipase test is relatively non-invasive and carries minimal risks, which may include bleeding from the needle puncture site, fainting or feeling lightheaded, blood collecting under the skin, and a slight risk of infection any time the skin is broken.

The lipase test is primarily used to diagnose acute and chronic pancreatitis, other pancreatic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatic tumours, and pancreatic stones, and conditions that affect the pancreas indirectly, such as bowel obstruction and pancreatic pseudocyst.

Yes, certain medications can affect lipase levels, leading to either elevated or decreased levels. These include opiates, oral contraceptives, thiazide diuretics, cholinergic drugs, and corticosteroids. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking before the test.

Fasting is not typically required before a lipase test. However, it is advisable to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the testing laboratory.

Several factors can affect lipase test results, including certain medications like opiates, oral contraceptives, and corticosteroids, alcohol consumption, recent endoscopic procedures, and some chronic conditions such as diabetes, Crohn's disease, and HIV infection.

The turnaround time for lipase test reports may vary depending on the laboratory and the processing methods used. Typically, results are available after 6 hours after the sample is collected. However, it is best to check with the specific laboratory or healthcare provider for their estimated reporting time.