Lipase

This test is used to measure the amount of lipase in the blood, a digestive enzyme that is produced by the pancreas.

Lipase is one of the the several digestive enzymes that is produced by the pancreas and plays an important role in the digestion of dietary fats. This test is used to measure the amount of lipase in the blood. In a normal sample, there should be a small amount of lipase present in the blood. When this value is abnormal, it is usually an indication of acute pancreatitis. In acute pancreatitis, there is damage to the cells in the pancreas, which causes an increased amount of lipase to enter the blood, instead of into the duodenum.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

•Severe abdominal or back pain
•Fever
•Loss of appetite
•Nausea