Other
Lipase
Reference ranges by source
Published adult intervals: 5, from 4 named sources, shown in U/L.
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SEX
AGE
RANGE
VISUAL
CITE
About Lipase
A lipase test measures the level of lipase in your blood. Lipase helps your body digest fats. It's a type of digestive enzyme. An enzyme is a protein that speeds up certain chemical reactions in your body. Most of your lipase is made in your pancreas, an organ located behind the lower part of your stomach. Lipase is also made in your salivary (spit) glands and in your stomach.
It's normal to have a small amount of lipase in your blood. But if the cells of your pancreas are damaged, they will release larger amounts of lipase. So, high levels of lipase in your blood may mean you have pancreatitis (an inflamed, swollen pancreas) or another type of pancreatic disease. A lipase test can help diagnose these conditions and others.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Useful for
Help confirm a diagnosis of pancreatitis, especially acute (sudden) pancreatitis
Check to see if treatment for pancreatic diseases is working
Help diagnose and monitor chronic diseases that affect the pancreas, including cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, and celiac disease
Help diagnose injury or blockage of the intestines
Help diagnose peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the abdominal wall)
Help diagnose pancreatic cysts
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Interpretation
A very high level of lipase is usually a sign of acute pancreatitis. In pancreatitis, lipase typically rises within about 4 to 8 hours of symptoms and can stay high for 7 to 10 days, longer than amylase, which is why lipase is often the more useful test.
How high your lipase goes does not always match how severe the pancreatitis is, and lipase coming back to normal doesn't always mean the problem has fully resolved.
Higher than normal levels of lipase may also be caused by other conditions affecting the pancreas or digestive tract.
Low levels of lipase may be a sign of permanent damage to cells in your pancreas that make lipase. This may happen in certain chronic (long-lasting) diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis.
If your lipase levels are not normal, it doesn't always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Many medicines, including codeine, diuretics ("water pills"), certain cholesterol medicines, and birth control pills can affect your lipase levels.
For general wellness information only. Talk to a clinician about your specific results.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
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Related biomarkers
More tests in the other category.
Sources
M
Mayo Clinic Laboratories
L
Labcorp
Q
Quest Diagnostics
R
RCPA / AACB Australasian Harmonised Reference Intervals
C
CALIPER: Canadian Pediatric Reference Intervals
Last updated 2026-05-02
This page presents source-specific reference data and sourced explanations. For general wellness information only. This is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment of any condition, talk to a qualified clinician.