What is the Lipase test?

The Lipase blood test measures the level of lipase, a digestive enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas. Lipase plays a critical role in breaking down dietary fats into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.

When the pancreas becomes inflamed or damaged, lipase leaks into the bloodstream, causing levels to rise. Because lipase is more pancreas-specific and remains elevated longer than amylase, it is a key marker in pancreatic disease assessment.

This test is widely used in emergency, gastroenterology, and routine diagnostic settings to evaluate pancreatic health.

Why do I need a Lipase test?

Elevated or abnormal lipase levels can indicate pancreatic inflammation or injury, which may require urgent medical attention.

You may need a Lipase test if you:

• Have severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Experience nausea or vomiting
• Have suspected acute or chronic pancreatitis
• Have gallstones or heavy alcohol use history
• Have unexplained digestive symptoms
• Are being monitored for pancreatic disease
• Have abnormal imaging results involving the pancreas

Symptoms associated with abnormal lipase levels include:

• Upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal tenderness
• Loss of appetite

Benefits of the Lipase test

• Key marker for pancreatitis
  Highly sensitive for pancreatic inflammation.
• More specific than amylase
  Better reflects pancreatic damage.
• Supports rapid diagnosis
  Essential in acute abdominal pain assessment.
• Clinically established enzyme test
  Used routinely in hospital and outpatient care.
• Guides treatment decisions
  Helps determine urgency and management.
• Useful in monitoring recovery
  Tracks resolution of pancreatic inflammation.
• Supports differential diagnosis
  Helps distinguish pancreatic from non-pancreatic causes.
• Simple blood test
  Requires only one blood sample.

Step by step – how the test works

You can access Lipase testing UK-wide through two options:

1. Clinic appointment
   Attend your nearest UK clinic, where a healthcare professional will take your blood sample.
2. At-home or hotel visit (£60 extra)
   A qualified phlebotomist comes to your home or hotel, so you don’t need to travel.

Your sample is analysed in an accredited UK laboratory, and results are delivered securely.

Your results explained

Low lipase levels

Usually not clinically significant but may be seen in chronic pancreatic insufficiency.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Below reference range

Normal lipase levels

Suggest normal pancreatic enzyme production.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Within reference range

High lipase levels

Strongly suggest pancreatic inflammation or injury, especially acute pancreatitis.

Typical UK interpretation:

• > 3× upper reference limit (often clinically significant)

Results must be interpreted alongside symptoms and other investigations.