PancreasReported in U/LLipase
The pancreatic enzyme that digests fat. A clear rise in the blood is the more specific blood clue to pancreatic inflammation.
What it measures
Lipase splits dietary fat in the small intestine. The pancreas is its main source in a blood test. During acute pancreatitis it enters the bloodstream and stays elevated longer than amylase, often for several days. The adult interval is lower and tighter than the wide range used for children and teens, which is why the age on the report matters.
Why it is on the panel
Upper abdominal pain has a long list of causes. Lipase is the blood test that most cleanly pulls pancreatitis onto or off that list. On a preventive draw without pain, it documents a baseline.
How to read it
Compare lipase with amylase. Lipase is the one to trust when they conflict and the question is the pancreas. A small rise above the interval is not the same as the many-fold rise of acute pancreatitis. Kidney failure can raise lipase modestly, so check creatinine.
When it runs higher
Acute pancreatitis, pancreatic duct blockage, some gut catastrophes, and reduced kidney clearance raise lipase. Alcohol binges and gallstones are the two classic triggers of acute pancreatitis. A very high lipase with severe abdominal pain is an emergency, not a result to trend at home.
When it runs lower
A low lipase is rarely important. Chronic pancreatitis that has destroyed enzyme-producing tissue can leave the blood level ordinary or low even though digestion is impaired.
Same group
Other Pancreas tests
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Lipase
Lipase is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.