Lipase [Catalytic Concentration] in Serum or Plasma
A lipase test measures the amount of lipase, an enzyme made mainly by the pancreas, in your blood. It is used most often to help detect or monitor pancreatitis and other pancreatic problems.
["Lipase is a key blood test for checking how well your pancreas is working and for investigating sudden or ongoing abdominal pain."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10888-6
- Short code
- Lipase Ur-cCnc
- Synonyms
- Lipase Ur-cCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Critical range
- — – 1000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
What Is Lipase?
Lipase is an enzyme produced largely by the pancreas that helps your body break down fats in food. Small amounts are also made in the mouth and stomach. When the pancreas is irritated or inflamed, lipase can leak into the bloodstream and raise blood levels.
Why the Test Is Done
Doctors commonly order a lipase test when someone has upper abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting to look for pancreatitis. It may also be used to monitor people with known pancreas conditions or to help evaluate other causes of abdominal pain.
What the Results Mean
A high lipase level often points to inflammation of the pancreas, but other conditions and some medicines can also raise it. Normal or low results do not rule out every problem. Your doctor interprets lipase together with your symptoms, physical exam, and other tests.
How to Prepare
In most cases no special preparation is needed, though your care team may ask you to fast for a period before the blood draw if other tests are being done at the same time. Follow any instructions you are given and tell your provider about all medicines and supplements you take.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Lipase is one of the most useful blood markers of pancreatic injury, especially acute pancreatitis, and helps clinicians distinguish pancreatic causes of abdominal pain from other conditions. Because levels can be affected by kidney function, medicines, and other illnesses, results are always interpreted alongside the full clinical picture rather than on their own.
Short name
Lipase
Frequently asked questions
Does a high lipase always mean pancreatitis?
Do I need to fast before a lipase test?
Can medicines affect my lipase result?
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