Pancreas
Lipase blood test
A lipase blood test measures a digestive enzyme made by the pancreas to break down fats. It's the more pancreas-specific of the two main pancreatic enzymes, so a raised lipase is a particularly useful sign of pancreatitis and is often measured alongside amylase.
- What it measures
- Lipase, a fat-digesting pancreatic enzyme
- Sample
- Venous blood sample
- Fasting
- Not required
- Also known as
- serum lipase
- Included in 57 Health tests
- 1 panel, from £150
Lipase reference range
Guide only| Category | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Adults (guide) | 13–60 U/L |
Lipase is more specific to the pancreas than amylase and stays raised a little longer in pancreatitis. A markedly high result, often three or more times the upper limit, strongly suggests acute pancreatitis. Ranges vary widely by laboratory and assay.
These are general UK adult guide ranges from public health sources, shown for orientation only. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, assay, age and sex, so your result is always interpreted against the range quoted by the analysing laboratory on your report.
What does a high lipase level mean?
A high lipase is a strong pointer to pancreatitis, particularly when it's several times the upper limit and accompanied by abdominal pain, and it's more specific to the pancreas than amylase.
Lesser rises can occur with other abdominal conditions or reduced kidney clearance, so it's interpreted alongside amylase, your symptoms and any imaging.
What does a low lipase level mean?
A low lipase is generally not significant.
It can occasionally reflect long-standing pancreatic damage with reduced enzyme production, and is read alongside your other results.
When to consider a lipase test
- Upper-abdominal pain, especially with nausea or vomiting
- Monitoring the pancreas on GLP-1 weight-management medication
- Investigating suspected pancreatitis (with amylase)
- Follow-up of a known pancreatic condition
Frequently asked questions
This page is general information about a blood marker and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. A lipase test screens and gives context; results are interpreted by a clinician alongside your symptoms, history and other markers. Always follow the guidance on your own report.