Test library
Serum Lipase Test
The Lipase Level Test measures the enzyme lipase in blood to help evaluate acute pancreatitis and other pancreatic conditions. Lipase is released by the pancreas and rises when the organ is inflamed.
Order Lipase Level Test for Acute Pancreatitis
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Lipase Level Test for Acute Pancreatitis- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $39
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The Lipase Blood Test measures the level of lipase, an enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas. Lipase helps break down fats in the diet. Levels rise when the pancreas is inflamed, which makes the test useful in evaluating acute pancreatitis and related conditions. It may also be ordered for persistent abdominal pain or when pancreatic function needs assessment.
What this test measures
Lipase is an enzyme made by the pancreas and released into the digestive tract to break down fats. Small amounts normally circulate in the blood. When pancreatic cells are injured or inflamed, larger amounts leak into the bloodstream, raising the measured level.
The test requires a blood sample, usually collected in a hospital or laboratory setting. Providers often compare lipase with amylase and other markers, though lipase alone can support the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis when the clinical picture fits and other causes are excluded.
Testing may be ordered for sudden or severe upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or when pancreatitis is suspected. Results are interpreted with symptoms, imaging, and other laboratory findings. A qualified healthcare provider should explain what the level means in your situation.
- Lipase enzyme level
- Amylase when ordered together
- Comprehensive metabolic panel when included
- Liver enzyme markers when included
- Triglyceride level when included
- Calcium level when included
Why people order this test
- Help evaluate suspected acute pancreatitis
- Investigate sudden or severe abdominal pain
- Support assessment of pancreatic inflammation
- Provide context when pancreatic function is being reviewed
- Compare with amylase and other digestive markers
- Help monitor a condition already being treated by a clinician
How to prepare
No fasting is usually required for a lipase test, but follow the instructions provided with the test order. Some laboratories prefer a fasting sample when other tests are ordered at the same time.
Understanding your results
Results are usually available within one to two business days, though urgent samples may be faster. Lipase is interpreted with symptoms, imaging, and other laboratory results. A qualified healthcare provider should explain what the value means.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is lipase?
Lipase is an enzyme made mainly by the pancreas that helps digest fats. Blood levels rise when the pancreas is inflamed or injured.
When is a lipase test ordered?
It is often ordered for sudden or severe upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or when pancreatitis is suspected.
Do I need to fast for a lipase test?
Fasting is usually not required for lipase alone, but follow the instructions provided with the test order.
Can other conditions raise lipase?
Yes. Several conditions besides pancreatitis can affect lipase levels, so results are always interpreted with the clinical picture.
How is lipase used to evaluate pancreatitis?
A high lipase level supports the diagnosis when symptoms and imaging fit. A clinician uses the full picture, not one value alone.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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