Why is lipase better than amylase for pancreatitis?

Lipase is more specific to the pancreas (amylase is also made by salivary glands), stays elevated longer (8-14 days vs 3-5 days for amylase), and is more sensitive for detecting pancreatitis. Most guidelines now recommend lipase as the preferred test.

What causes elevated lipase?

The most common cause is pancreatitis (acute or chronic). Other causes include gallbladder disease, bowel obstruction, peptic ulcers, kidney disease, and certain medications. Unlike amylase, salivary gland problems don't affect lipase.

Can lipase be elevated without symptoms?

Yes, mildly elevated lipase can occur without pancreatitis, especially in kidney disease (reduced clearance), diabetes, or certain GI conditions. Levels 3+ times normal, however, are highly specific for pancreatitis.

How long does lipase stay elevated?

In acute pancreatitis, lipase rises within 4-8 hours, peaks at 24 hours, and stays elevated for 8-14 days. This is much longer than amylase (3-5 days), making lipase more useful for patients who don't seek care immediately.

🔥 Metabolic

Lipase Blood Test - Pancreatic Function

Name: Lipase Blood Test - Pancreatic Function
Brand: Justlabs
SKU: 0001446
Price: 13 USD
Availability: InStock

Lipase

Lipase is the most specific blood marker for pancreatic disorders. Produced almost exclusively by the pancreas, elevated lipase is the gold standard for diagnosing pancreatitis.

Lipase is a digestive enzyme produced by the pancreas that breaks down fats (triglycerides) into fatty acids. Unlike amylase, lipase is produced almost exclusively by the pancreas, making it a highly specific marker for pancreatic disorders.

When the pancreas is inflamed or damaged, lipase leaks into the bloodstream. Lipase levels rise within 4-8 hours of acute pancreatitis, peak at 24 hours, and remain elevated for 8-14 days - much longer than amylase. This extended elevation makes lipase more useful for patients who present later after symptom onset.

Lipase is considered the preferred test for diagnosing acute pancreatitis due to its superior sensitivity and specificity compared to amylase. A lipase level 3 or more times the upper limit of normal is highly suggestive of acute pancreatitis.

Price

$13

Results

1-2 days

Lab Network

Quest

Fasting

Not Required

What's Measured

Lipase

What This Test Measures

This test measures the level of lipase enzyme in your blood, reported in U/L (units per liter). Normal lipase levels typically range from 0-60 U/L. Levels 3+ times normal (above 180 U/L) strongly indicate acute pancreatitis.

Who Should Consider This Test

Anyone with severe upper abdominal pain, especially pain that radiates to the back, nausea, vomiting, or suspected pancreatitis. Essential for evaluating abdominal pain of unclear origin. Also useful for monitoring chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic health.

Health Insights

Conditions Screened

Acute pancreatitisChronic pancreatitisPancreatic cancerPancreatic duct obstructionGallstone pancreatitisCystic fibrosisCeliac diseaseInflammatory bowel disease

Related Symptoms

Severe upper abdominal painPain radiating to backNausea and vomitingAbdominal tendernessFeverRapid heartbeatOily or fatty stoolsUnintended weight lossBloating

When to Get Tested

No fasting required. Can be tested anytime. For suspected acute pancreatitis, test as soon as possible. Lipase remains elevated longer than amylase (up to 2 weeks), making it useful even if symptoms started days ago.

Understanding Your Results

Normal lipase: 0-60 U/L. Levels 3+ times the upper limit (above 180 U/L) strongly suggest acute pancreatitis. Mildly elevated levels may indicate chronic pancreatitis, biliary disease, or other GI conditions. Low levels are typically not clinically significant.

What to Expect

After placing your order, you'll receive an email from Rupa Health (our lab order partner) within 24 business hours to sign a consent form and schedule your blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics location.

The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 1-2 business days and will appear in your secure Justlabs dashboard.

Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

$13

Typical hospital cash price: $150–$250

+ $28 in standard lab & physician fees at checkout (no additional bills later)

$18 lab collection + $10 physician order

Results in 1-2 business days

Need Help Choosing?

Not sure if this is the right test for you? Take our quick questionnaire.

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