Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out how much lipase is in your blood. Lipase is an enzyme that is made by your pancreas. It helps break down fat in the food you eat. Most often, you have a small amount of lipase in your blood. This is your lipase level. If you have a problem with your pancreas, the amount of lipase may be higher. ‚
The doctor may order a lipase test to: ‚
- Check for problems in your pancreas like pancreatitis, a tumor, or a block in your pancreatic duct that cause some of these signs:
- Severe stomach pain or back pain
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Learn more about your belly pain and upset belly.
- Help find or follow a disease like cystic fibrosis or Crohns disease.
- See how well your treatment is working.
- Go along with an amylase test.
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and compare them to a healthy lipase level. Then your doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your pancreas is likely working in a normal way.
- Lipase levels are often very high in people with acute pancreatitis. Other illnesses may also cause your lipase levels to be high. Some of them are cancer in your pancreas or a gallstone that blocks your pancreas.
- Low levels of lipase may mean your pancreas is not working well. This may happen because of a long-term illness like cystic fibrosis.
- Your doctor may order another test to be sure that the test results are correct.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Lipase test is more correct when taken after fasting. You may be asked to stop eating and drinking for 8 hours before this blood test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain when the needle is placed into a vein in your arm to draw your blood. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much lipase is in it. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor decide if you have a problem with your lipase level. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/lipase/tab/glance ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚