Lipase

What it measures

Lipase is a fat-digesting enzyme released mainly by the pancreas. It is the preferred blood test for acute pancreatitis because it is more specific than amylase and stays raised longer.

Specimen and preparation

• Specimen: Serum or lithium-heparin plasma
• Tube: Gold top

Reference range

Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.

Causes of high values

• Acute pancreatitis (>3× upper limit)
• Pancreatic duct obstruction or tumour
• Kidney failure
• Bowel perforation or ischaemia
• Diabetic ketoacidosis

Causes of low values

• Chronic pancreatitis with exocrine loss
• Cystic fibrosis

Method

Enzymatic colorimetric (methylresorufin ester substrate)

Good to know

The degree of rise does not predict severity; use clinical scores and imaging.

Related tests