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Lipase Test

Q: What is lipase?

Lipase can be defined as a type of enzyme that is formed by the pancreas and helps in the digestion of fat. Lipase is an important component of our body as it provides energy to perform everyday tasks.

Q: I am taking birth control pills. Can it affect my lipase results?

Yes, abnormal lipase level does not necessarily mean pancreatitis disorders; however, they can also be caused due to several non-medical conditions such as taking birth control pills and codeine. Hence, if you’re going to get a lipase test, inform your healthcare advisor about the same. Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.

Dr.Sreelekha DaruvariLast Updated on 20th January 2022

Lipase is an enzyme (type of protein) formed by the pancreas (a large gland behind the stomach), liver, intestines, stomach, tongue, and many other cells. It helps in the digestion of fats inside the body. The level of lipase increases in the blood when there is an injury or damage to the pancreas. The lipase test is done to measure the amount of lipase present in your blood. Men and women of all ages can do this test. This test is also termed the LPS test or the serum lipase test.

What is a lipase test used for?What is included in a lipase test?Procedure for the test How to prepare for the Lipase test?What types of infection can lipase test detect?How much does the lipase test cost?What do abnormal lipase test results indicate?Is the lipase test definitive?How to read the lipase test report?Why book the test?Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a lipase test used for?

The doctor can advise you to get the lipase test done to detect several conditions, such as:

To detect pancreatic disorders such as pancreatitis or blockage of pancreatic duct
To check how well the medicines taken for pancreatic disorders are effective in a patient
Used in the diagnosis of peritonitis, strangulated bowel, or pancreatic cyst

Some of the symptoms linked to pancreatic disorders, where lipase test could be advised are: Fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain.

What is included in a lipase test?

The lipase test includes checking lipase enzyme levels in your blood and compares them with the normal range.

Procedure for the test

When the test is booked, the technician visits the home at the time slot selected by you. They will collect your blood sample and carry it to the accredited laboratory where the test will be conducted.

Book a lipase test to check your lipase level!

How to prepare for the Lipase test?

To prepare yourself for the test, you may need to fast for at least 8-10 hours before the test. You can drink water during this period. If you take medications, inform your doctor beforehand, as they might interfere with your test results. Some such medications are opiates, birth control pills, cholinergic medicines, etc.

Things to consider after the test is complete

There would be a string or slight pain sensation during the needle insertion for drawing the blood. After the blood is drawn, there may be some throbbing at the point by where the blood was drawn. You should wait for your test reports and consult with your doctor once you receive them.

What types of infection can lipase test detect?

A lipase test is usually recommended by your healthcare professional to diagnose pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be either acute or chronic. In case you suffer from acute pancreatitis, the condition lasts for a short period of time that usually takes a few days to cure. In contrast, chronic pancreatitis remains for a longer period that worsens with time.

How much does the lipase test cost?*

Lipase test costs between INR 300-1000, depending upon the lab partner and the city where you stay.

*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How long does it take to get the results for the lipase test?

You can expect to get the results for the lipase test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What do abnormal lipase test results indicate?

Abnormal test results may indicate the following conditions:

Acute Pancreatitis – Acute Pancreatitis is a minor condition that lasts for a short period only.
Chronic Pancreatitis – Chronic Pancreatitis is a major health disorder that gets worse over time.
Gallstone Pancreatitis – This condition occurs when a gallstone closes the pancreatic duct leading to extreme inflammation and pain in the pancreases.
Peptic ulcers – These are open sores that build upon the upper portion of your intestine. The most common symptom of peptic ulcers is stomach pain.
Pancreatic cysts – These are sac-like pockets that build up in your pancreas. If not treated rightly, cysts can cause infection leading to medical emergencies.
Pancreatic cancer – Another major disease that can be caused due to abnormal lipase levels in pancreatic cancer. This cancer begins to grow if there is an uncontrolled growth of the pancreas.
Stomach cancer – Stomach cancer is a common type of cancer also termed gastric cancer. This condition severely affects the different parts of the stomach. It majorly occurs due to smoking, drinking, or consuming highly processed food.
Intestinal obstruction – Intestinal obstruction is a condition in which the small and large intestine suffers from internal blockage due to which solids and liquids do not pass through the intestine. One major reason for this condition is certain medications.
Acute appendicitis – It is an extreme condition where the appendix suffers severe inflammation leading to extreme pain in the abdomen and lower region. In order to eliminate the pain, it is treated within 24 hours of pain.
Biliary disease – Biliary diseases majorly show an impact on structures such as the gallbladder, bile ducts, and so on responsible for the production and the transportation of the bile. The liver produces bile fluid.
Alcoholism – A chronic disease that increases with time due to excessive consumption of alcohol, leading to several other health disorders. In this condition, the person gets heavily dependent on alcohol, both physically and mentally.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor to interpret the test reports.

Is the lipase test definitive?

Lipase is not a definitive test but is used as one of the diagnostic tests for pancreatitis, and the increase in lipase levels three or more times above the normal level are associated with pancreatitis. Lipase levels may also elevate in case of peptic ulcers or any other disease of the pancreas, stomach, or intestines.

Doctors might ask for some additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Therefore, an abnormal lipase test indicates pancreatitis; it may not be enough to confirm the disease.

How to read the lipase test report?

Normal lipase test results are between 0 to 160 units per liter (U/L) or 0 to 2.67 microkat/L (µkat/L). The range for Normal value may slightly vary among different lab partners. A few laboratories opt for different types of measurement methods for Lipase tests that may affect the final value a little. Discuss with your doctor to know about different terminologies in test results.

Book a lipase test to check your lipase level!

Why book the test?

this, this test is conducted to monitor pancreatitis and other pancreas-related disorders. In case your doctor spots symptoms that directly indicate a blockage in the pancreas, they suggest booking the lipase test. Some of the symptoms that you should treat as red flags are-

Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Severe back pain
Severe abdominal pain
Fever
Loss of appetite
A family history of pancreatitis
Diabetes
Gallstones
High triglycerides
Obesity

In case you’re going through any such diseases or experiencing similar symptoms, it is best recommended to book a lipase test as soon as possible. Apart from this, if you drink or smoke regularly, get yourself tested as you’re at a higher risk of having abnormal pancreatitis levels.

Lipase test at home – how does it work?

The lipase test is just like any other blood test that you might have already been aware of. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm with a disinfectant in order to ensure everything is nice and clean. After that, they insert a syringe into a vein to take out some blood which is further used as a sample to achieve accurate results.

The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial or a test tube. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick. This might hurt you in the beginning for 4-5 seconds, however, the pain is surely bearable. Once the test is done, you’re advised to have fresh juice.

Are there any risks involved with the test?

Although a lipase test is a simple blood test and does not involve any health risks in particular as all they do is take out some blood as a sample to check under the microscope. However, there are some minor side effects that you might witness after getting the lipase test done. These are as follows-

Bleeding from the site where the needle is inserted
Blood collecting under the skin
Lightheaded feeling
Infection (a minor risk any time the skin is pricked)

Apart from these, there are no side effects of the lipase test. In case you suffer any major complications, it is advisable to visit your healthcare professional as soon as possible to minimize future health issues.

What can affect the results of the test?

Lipase results could be affected by medications or food intake 8-10 hours before the test. You should consult your doctor if you are on medications. Hence, it is advisable to inform your healthcare professional about all the medicines or drugs you might need before going for the lipase test.

Also, if there are any specific instructions from your doctor’s end, such as fasting, make sure you follow them religiously to achieve accurate results. Note that the lipase test results will help your healthcare professional plan the future treatment process; therefore, there’s no scope of gaps.

Book a lipase to check your lipase level!

Our Trusted Lab Partners for Lipase Test

MFine Diagnostics

Starting at

₹500

Wellness Pathcare

Starting at

₹500

Thyrocare

Starting at

₹500

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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for lipase test sample collection vaccinated?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my lipase test report?

Login to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on lipase tests?

Usually, you can avail yourself up to a 50% discount on lipase through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

What is lipase?

Lipase can be defined as a type of enzyme that is formed by the pancreas and helps in the digestion of fat. Lipase is an important component of our body as it provides energy to perform everyday tasks.

Why is the lipase test advised by the doctor?

The doctor may advise you to get the lipase test when there is suspicion of pancreatitis, pancreatic duct obstruction. It may also be done to check whether pancreatitis medications are effective. Apart from this, in case they suspect apparent symptoms such as Diarrhea, Nausea and vomiting, Severe back pain, Severe abdominal pain, Fever, Loss of appetite, A family history of pancreatitis, Diabetes, Gallstones, High triglycerides, Obesity, and so on, they advise the lipase test.

How is the lipase test done?

Here are the steps involved in the lipase test. Let’s have a look-

The professional expert will tie an elastic on your left hand to stop the continuous blood
They will use a disinfectant to clear the patch on your hand
A needle will be inserted to take out blood
Later, the blood will be transferred to the test tube or veil
They will give you a cotton ball to clean the area.

At first, it might feel a little uncomfortable; however, the pain is bearable.

What happens if my lipase test report is not normal?

If your lipase tests are not normal, there may be a chance that you have a pancreatic disorder. Some of these conditions are acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, A blockage in the pancreas, peptic ulcer, kidney disease, kidney stone, several kinds of cancer, a problem with your gallbladder, pancreatitis, and so on. Before making any assumptions, it is always advisable to consult your doctor to interpret the test results.

Should I tell my doctor if I am on medications before getting the test done?

Yes, you should inform your doctor before getting the lipase test. Some medications might interfere with your test results. Along with your healthcare history, it is best recommended to inform them about your family’s healthcare history too.

I am taking birth control pills. Can it affect my lipase results?

Yes, abnormal lipase level does not necessarily mean pancreatitis disorders; however, they can also be caused due to several non-medical conditions such as taking birth control pills and codeine. Hence, if you’re going to get a lipase test, inform your healthcare advisor about the same.

Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.