Lipase Blood Test: What It Means to Have High or Low Results

When sharp abdominal pain strikes or nausea and vomiting become persistent, a lipase blood test might be ordered. Acute pancreatitis can be associated, both high and low lipase readings can point to diverse underlying conditions, demanding careful interpretation and further medical evaluation to determine the root cause. Understanding the implications of these test results is essential for effective diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention.

Pro tip: Whether you want to test or retest your lipase levels, you can book a laboratory appointment online. Check out our Lipase Blood Test and schedule a procedure at one of the lab partners near you. 

What Is a Lipase Blood Test?

The lipase blood test is a diagnostic tool that measures the concentration of the lipase enzyme in the bloodstream. This lab test is used to check the health of your pancreas.

Lipases are a class of enzymes⁽¹⁾ that activate the hydrolysis of lipids, specifically triglycerides, breaking them down into glycerol and free fatty acids. Functioning as biological catalysts, they play a vital role in lipid digestion, absorption, and metabolism across various organisms, from humans to microorganisms. 

These enzymes are not limited to digestive processes; they also participate in different functions, including cellular signaling and lipid transport, show how important it is for the biological system.

As the pancreas predominantly produces lipase⁽²⁾ to aid in fat digestion, elevated levels in the blood often indicate pancreatic damage or inflammation, such as in acute pancreatitis. Therefore, this test plays a crucial role in the clinical evaluation of pancreatic disorders, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Lipase Blood Test Results: Meaning of High or Low Lipase

An accurate interpretation of lipase blood test results is essential for healthcare professionals to diagnose and monitor pancreatic disorders, particularly acute pancreatitis⁽³⁾, effectively. Understanding the nuances of these results, including the influence of other medical conditions and medications, ensures clinicians can differentiate between pancreatic and non-pancreatic causes of elevated lipase, leading to more precise patient care.

Although we leave the lipid blood test results reading to professionals and stay completely away from doing self-diagnosis, it’s helpful to have a general understanding of what the figures may suggest. Doing so can strengthen your personal care strategy, along with following through with the recommended medical intervention.

What high lipase means

A high lipase level in the blood typically indicates a problem with the pancreas. When the pancreas is damaged or inflamed, it releases excess lipase into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated levels. The most common cause of a significantly high lipase level is acute pancreatitis, a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. However, other conditions can also contribute to increased lipase. Here are some key points regarding high lipase levels⁽⁴⁾:

• Pancreatic Issues:
  • Acute pancreatitis (This is the most frequent cause, often indicated by lipase levels three or more times the normal range.)
  • Chronic pancreatitis (or long-term inflammation of the pancreas)
  • Pancreatic duct blockage (obstruction of the tubes that drain the pancreas)
  • Pancreatic cancer
• Other Potential Causes:
  • Kidney disease (including chronic kidney disease and kidney failure)
  • Gallbladder disease (such as gallstones)
  • Intestinal problems (like bowel obstruction)
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Certain medications

It’s important to note that a lipase test is just one piece of the diagnostic puzzle. Healthcare professionals consider lipase levels alongside other factors, such as symptoms and results from other tests, to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Also Read: What is GFR calculation in Kidney Disease and How to Improve It

What low lipase means

A low lipase level, as determined by a lipase blood test, can indicate that the pancreas isn’t producing enough of this crucial digestive enzyme. Lipase plays a vital role in breaking down fats in the small intestine, so a deficiency can lead to problems with fat digestion and absorption⁽⁵⁾. Here’s a breakdown of what low lipase might signify:

• Chronic pancreatic damage

Conditions like chronic pancreatitis, where the pancreas is progressively damaged, can result in a decline in lipase production. Cystic fibrosis⁽⁶⁾, a genetic disorder, can also lead to pancreatic damage and insufficient lipase levels. In essence, if the cells that produce the lipase enzyme are damaged, they will be unable to produce enough of the enzyme.

• Pancreatic insufficiency

This occurs when the pancreas fails to produce adequate digestive enzymes, including lipase. This insufficiency can lead to the malabsorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

It is important to note that a medical professional should always interpret lipase levels. They will consider the patient’s medical history and other test results to make an accurate diagnosis.

How to Prepare for a Lipase Blood Test

Preparation for a lipase blood test primarily involves fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the blood draw, meaning you should refrain from eating or drinking anything other than water. You must also inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you’re currently taking, as some can interfere with test results. Your doctor will advise whether any of these should be temporarily discontinued before the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal lipase level?

Generally, a normal lipase level is considered to be between 0 to 160 units per liter (U/L), though this range can vary slightly depending on the laboratory.

Is it better to have high or low lipase?

Neither consistently high nor low lipase levels are considered “better” in a healthy individual. Elevated lipase often indicates pancreatic damage or disease, such as pancreatitis. Conversely, diminished lipase may signal chronic pancreatic conditions that impair enzyme production.

Can high lipase mean diabetes?

Increased lipase levels can occur in individuals with diabetes, particularly in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis. This is because metabolic disturbances related to diabetes can influence lipase levels. However, high lipase is more commonly associated with pancreatic conditions, not as a direct indicator of diabetes.

The Bottom Line

While high lipase often raises concerns about pancreatic disorders, it is essential to remember that it is not specific to one disease. Similarly, low lipase levels, while less frequently observed, warrant further investigation. The significance of these results lies in their ability to guide further diagnostic procedures and inform appropriate treatment strategies, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive medical evaluation.

Sources

¹ Ali S, Khan SA, Hamayun M, Lee IJ. The Recent Advances in the Utility of Microbial Lipases: A Review. Microorganisms. 2023 Feb 17;11(2):510. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11020510. PMID: 36838475; PMCID: PMC9959473.

² Pirahanchi Y, Sharma S. Biochemistry, Lipase. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537346/

³ Bush N, Akshintala VS. Interpretation of serum pancreatic enzymes in pancreatic and nonpancreatic conditions. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2023 Sep 1;39(5):403-410. doi: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000961. Epub 2023 Jun 22. PMID: 37389417.

⁴ Choi SJ. [A Systematic Approach to Patients with Elevated Levels of Serum Amylase or Lipase]. Korean J Gastroenterol. 2023 May 25;81(5):189-196. Korean. doi: 10.4166/kjg.2023.043. PMID: 37226818.

⁵ Omer E, Chiodi C. Fat digestion and absorption: Normal physiology and pathophysiology of malabsorption, including diagnostic testing. Nutr Clin Pract. 2024 Apr;39 Suppl 1:S6-S16. doi: 10.1002/ncp.11130. PMID: 38429963.

⁶ Frantzen, T.; Barsky, S.; LaVecchia, G.; Marowitz, M.; Wang, J. Evolving Nutritional Needs in Cystic Fibrosis. Life 2023, 13, 1431. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13071431