: Lipase [Enzymatic activity/rate] in Whole Blood
: This test measures the activity rate of lipase, an enzyme that helps your body break down fats, in whole blood. It is most commonly used to help evaluate problems with the pancreas.
[": A lipase measurement helps your care team assess pancreatic function and investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45360-5
- Short code
- LPT 0.125 Ug PW Bld-nRate
- Synonyms
- LPT 0.125 Ug PW Bld-nRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
: What Is Lipase?
: Lipase is an enzyme produced mainly by your pancreas and released into the digestive tract, where it helps break down fats from food so your body can absorb them. Small amounts normally circulate in the blood, and levels can rise when the pancreas or other organs are irritated or inflamed.
: Why This Test Is Ordered
: Your clinician may order a lipase measurement when you have symptoms that could involve the pancreas, such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. It can also be part of monitoring a known pancreatic condition or investigating other causes of abdominal discomfort.
: How the Test Is Performed
: This test is done on a whole blood sample, usually collected from a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed for the rate of lipase enzyme activity. Your care team will tell you whether any preparation, such as fasting, is needed.
: What the Results Mean
: Results are reported as a rate of enzyme activity and compared with the laboratory's reference interval. Values above or below that range do not by themselves diagnose a condition; your clinician interprets them alongside your symptoms, history, and other tests. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, so the range on your own report is the one that applies to you.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: Lipase testing is clinically significant because abnormal pancreatic enzyme activity can accompany conditions such as acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic duct obstruction, and other digestive or abdominal disorders. Because lipase can also be affected by factors beyond the pancreas, results are always interpreted in the full clinical context rather than in isolation.
Short name
: Lipase
Frequently asked questions
: Does this test require fasting?
: Can a normal lipase result rule out a pancreas problem?
: Why might my result be compared with a different range than someone else's?
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