Lipase Blood Test

A lipase test measures the level of a protein called lipase in your blood. Lipase helps your body absorb fats. When your pancreas is inflamed or injured, it releases more lipase than usual. Higher than normal levels of lipase mean that you have a problem with your pancreas. If your blood has 3 to 10 times the normal level of lipase, then it's likely that you have acute pancreatitis. High lipase levels also mean you may have kidney failure, cirrhosis, or a bowel problem. A low level of lipase in the blood may indicate permanent damage to the lipase-producing cells in the pancreas. This can occur in chronic diseases that affect the pancreas, such as cystic fibrosis.