Lipase

Results

Normal

A lipase test measures the amount of this enzyme in a blood sample.

Normal values vary with a person's age and among labs and methods used. Results are normally available within 12 hours.

Lipase

Normal:	Less than 200 units per liter (U/L)

High values

A high lipase level may be caused by:

• Diseases of the pancreas, such as pancreatitis or cancer of the pancreas.
• Problems with the gallbladder, such as gallstones and inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Problems with the intestines, such as bowel blockage (obstruction) or tissue death (infarction).
• Infection, inflammation, or cancer of a salivary gland.
• Peptic ulcer disease.
• Alcohol or drug abuse.

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Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated: April 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
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