Why test both amylase and lipase?

Testing both provides the most accurate picture. Lipase is more specific to the pancreas and stays elevated longer. Amylase rises faster but can also come from salivary glands. Together, they catch more cases and help confirm the diagnosis.

Which enzyme is more important?

Lipase is generally considered more important because it's more specific to the pancreas and stays elevated longer (8-14 days vs 3-5 days for amylase). However, amylase rises faster and can occasionally be elevated when lipase is normal.

Can these enzymes be elevated without pancreatitis?

Yes, mildly elevated levels can occur with kidney disease, gallbladder problems, intestinal issues, or certain medications. Levels 3+ times normal, especially when both enzymes are elevated, are highly specific for pancreatitis.

How quickly do these enzymes rise?

Amylase rises within 6-12 hours of acute pancreatitis and returns to normal in 3-5 days. Lipase rises within 4-8 hours and stays elevated for 8-14 days. Testing both gives you the best chance of detection regardless of timing.

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Panel🔥 Metabolic

Pancreatic Enzymes Panel - Amylase & Lipase

The first-line panel for suspected pancreatic inflammation. Combines both key pancreatic enzymes - lipase (more specific) and amylase (rises faster) - for accurate detection of pancreatitis.

This panel is the standard first-line test for suspected pancreatic inflammation. It combines two essential pancreatic enzymes that work together to give you the most accurate picture of pancreatic health.

Why This Panel: • First-line tests for suspected pancreatic inflammation • Lipase is more pancreas-specific • Often ordered together for abdominal pain, nausea, or acute flares • Simple, low-cost, and easy to interpret

What's Included:

• Lipase - The gold standard for pancreatitis detection. Lipase is produced almost exclusively by the pancreas, making it highly specific. It stays elevated for 8-14 days after an episode.

• Amylase - A digestive enzyme that rises quickly (within 6-12 hours) during acute pancreatitis. While less specific than lipase, it can detect some conditions that lipase might miss.

Testing both enzymes together provides the most comprehensive assessment. If one enzyme is elevated, checking the other helps confirm the diagnosis and rule out false positives.

Panel Price

$18

All-in

$36

incl. $18 lab & physician fee

Biomarkers

2 tests

Included Tests

Amylase

Measures amylase enzyme levels to evaluate pancreatic function and detect pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders.

Amylase

Lipase

Measures lipase enzyme levels to evaluate pancreatic function. The most specific marker for pancreatitis and pancreatic disorders.

Lipase

No fasting needed. How to prepare for your blood test →

Full guide: GLP-1 blood work, what to test and when →

What This Panel Measures

This panel measures two key pancreatic enzymes: Lipase (normal 0-60 U/L) is the most specific marker for pancreatitis. Amylase (normal 30-110 U/L) rises quickly during acute episodes. Levels 3+ times normal for either enzyme strongly suggest pancreatitis.

Who Should Get This Panel

Anyone experiencing upper abdominal pain (especially pain that radiates to the back), nausea, vomiting after eating, or symptoms suggestive of pancreatitis. Also valuable for monitoring chronic pancreatitis, evaluating recurrent digestive issues, and assessing pancreatic health after gallbladder problems.

Health Insights

Conditions Screened

Acute pancreatitisChronic pancreatitisGallstone pancreatitisAlcoholic pancreatitisPancreatic duct obstructionPancreatic pseudocystPancreatic insufficiencyCystic fibrosis complications

Related Symptoms

Severe upper abdominal painPain radiating to the backNausea and vomitingAbdominal tendernessPain worse after eatingFever with abdominal painRapid heartbeatOily or fatty stoolsUnexplained weight lossBloating and indigestion

When to Get Tested

No fasting required. Test as soon as possible if acute pancreatitis is suspected - both enzymes rise within hours. This panel is also useful for routine monitoring of chronic pancreatitis or digestive concerns.

Understanding Your Results

Normal ranges: Lipase 0-60 U/L, Amylase 30-110 U/L. Levels 3+ times normal strongly suggest acute pancreatitis. Moderately elevated levels may indicate chronic pancreatitis, biliary disease, or other digestive conditions. When both enzymes are elevated, pancreatitis is very likely.

How much does the Pancreatic Enzymes Panel cost?

The Pancreatic Enzymes Panel costs $18 at JustLabs — $36 all-in, since the $18 lab & physician order fee is charged once per order, however many tests you add. The price is fixed before your blood draw; no insurance or doctor visit needed.

Option	Price	Order all-in	Notes
Pancreatic Enzymes Panel at JustLabsDrawn at Quest Diagnostics	$18	$36	Includes the one $18 fee, charged once per order

Paying with an HSA or FSA? See which lab tests qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

Panel2 tests · 2 biomarkers

Hospital cash price: $250–$600

$18

+ $18 order fee · $36 all-inOne $18 fee per order covers your Quest blood draw and the independent physician order, however many tests you add.

Amylase
Lipase

No insurance needed · HSA/FSA eligible

Physician-ordered
CLIA-certified Quest lab
Drawn at Quest Diagnostics

Need Individual Tests?

You can also order any of these tests individually if you don't need the full panel.

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