Serum Lipase Activity (24-Hour Quantification)
This test measures how much lipase, an enzyme produced by the pancreas, is present in your blood over a 24-hour period. It helps assess pancreatic function and identify potential issues like pancreatitis.
["Lipase levels can signal pancreatic problems, including inflammation or damage."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25992-9
- Short code
- Lipase 24h Ur-cCnc
- Synonyms
- Lipase 24h Ur-cCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Critical range
- — – 1000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82670
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss. It could also be used to monitor chronic conditions affecting the pancreas or to check for complications after a procedure or injury.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, typically in a clinic or lab setting. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities afterward.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels of lipase can indicate acute pancreatitis or other pancreatic issues. Lower-than-normal levels might suggest a less common condition or could be due to factors like malnutrition. Your results will be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Common Causes and Conditions
Elevated lipase levels are often linked to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallstones blocking the bile duct, or pancreatic tumors. Other conditions, such as kidney disease or certain medications, may also affect lipase levels.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Lipase (24-hour)
Frequently asked questions
What are the normal reference ranges for this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
How soon will I get my results, and what should I do next?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy