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Lipase
Pancreas
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No Fasting Required
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Serum lipase levels are used to diagnose and monitor acute pancreatitis.
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Lipase Test Information Guide
- Why is it done?
- Measures the enzyme lipase, which is primarily produced by the pancreas and, to a lesser extent, by salivary glands and other tissues
- Primary indication: Diagnose and monitor acute pancreatitis, a potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas
- Evaluate for chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic disorders
- Assess abdominal pain and evaluate acute abdomen presentations
- Typical timing: Ordered when patients present with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic involvement, such as severe upper abdominal pain, elevated amylase levels, or suspected gallstone-related complications
- Normal Range
- Normal reference range: 30-110 U/L (units per liter), though ranges may vary slightly between laboratories
- Some laboratories report ranges of 0-160 U/L depending on methodology and patient population
- Units of measurement: U/L (International Units per Liter)
- Normal results: Lipase levels within the reference range typically indicate no acute pancreatic disease; however, mild elevations may occur in asymptomatic individuals
- Elevated results: Levels greater than 110 U/L warrant further investigation; marked elevations (>1000 U/L) are highly suggestive of acute pancreatitis
- Borderline values (110-150 U/L): May require repeat testing and clinical correlation with symptoms and other laboratory findings
- Interpretation
- Mild elevation (110-300 U/L): May indicate early acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, or other pancreatic conditions; requires clinical evaluation
- Moderate elevation (300-1000 U/L): Strongly suggests acute pancreatitis, particularly when combined with elevated amylase and clinical symptoms
- Marked elevation (>1000 U/L): Highly diagnostic of acute pancreatitis; may also occur in severe chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic malignancy
- Progressive elevation with repeat testing: Indicates worsening pancreatic inflammation; gradual decline suggests improving status
- Factors affecting readings: Medications (corticosteroids, azathioprine, valproic acid), renal disease, salivary gland disorders, bowel perforation, and intestinal infarction can elevate lipase levels
- Lipase is more pancreas-specific and remains elevated longer than amylase; typically rises within 4-8 hours of pancreatitis onset and peaks at 24-48 hours
- Clinical correlation is essential; diagnosis of acute pancreatitis requires lipase elevation plus characteristic symptoms and imaging findings
- Associated Organs
- Primary organ: Pancreas (endocrine and exocrine functions affected)
- Secondary organs: Liver, biliary system, and intestines (interconnected via shared ductal system)
- Conditions commonly diagnosed: Acute pancreatitis (gallstone-induced, alcohol-related, hypertriglyceridemia-induced), chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis
- Associated complications: Pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus (from beta cell damage), malabsorption, pancreatic necrosis, sepsis, organ failure, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)
- Other conditions with elevated lipase: Renal disease, salivary gland inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal perforation, and ectopic pregnancy
- Potential risks: Severe acute pancreatitis can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute kidney injury, and mortality if untreated
- Follow-up Tests
- Serum amylase: Complementary enzyme that confirms pancreatic origin of inflammation; more specific for salivary glands but helps differentiate pancreatic causes
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase): Assess for biliary obstruction and liver involvement in gallstone-induced pancreatitis
- Glucose and hemoglobin A1c: Monitor for pancreatic-induced hyperglycemia and diabetes development
- Triglycerides and cholesterol: Evaluate hypertriglyceridemia as a potential pancreatitis etiology
- Imaging studies: Abdominal ultrasound (assess gallstones and pancreatic edema), CT scan (evaluate severity of pancreatitis, necrosis, complications), MRCP (biliary obstruction assessment)
- Pancreatic imaging (CT/MRI): Recommended when acute pancreatitis is diagnosed to assess severity and guide treatment
- Complete blood count (CBC): Assess for hemoconcentration and infection markers
- Calcium level: Low calcium indicates severe pancreatitis with worse prognosis
- Monitoring frequency: Repeat lipase testing in 24-48 hours to track trend; additional testing based on clinical response and complications
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting required: No - lipase can be measured in both fasting and non-fasting states
- No special fasting duration required: The test can be performed at any time of day without dietary preparation
- Medications to consider: Continue regular medications as directed; inform healthcare provider of current medications, particularly corticosteroids, azathioprine, and valproic acid, which can affect results
- Patient preparation: No special preparation needed; routine blood draw procedure applies; arrive on time for appointment
- Additional instructions: Inform phlebotomist or physician of current symptoms; note that lipase can be drawn as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel that may require fasting depending on additional tests ordered
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