Everything You Need to Know About Serum Lipase Test
Serum Lipase Test. Learn what you need to know about the Lipase Test, its purpose, preparations, and how to interpret its results.
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Are you curious about the serum lipase test? Have you been wondering what it’s used for, and how it can help you? We’ll be discussing the purpose of the serum lipase test, as well as what to expect when taking one. Read on to learn more.
What is a Serum Lipase Test?
A serum lipase test measures the amount of the enzyme lipase in your blood. Lipase is a protein that helps your body absorb fats and is produced by the pancreas. It can be used to diagnose and monitor pancreatic disorders, such as pancreatitis, or swelling of the pancreas. The test is also commonly used to evaluate and monitor the functions of the pancreas.
Serum lipase tests are usually done by taking a sample of your blood, which will be sent to a lab for analysis. The results of the test will determine if the serum lipase levels in your blood are normal or if they are too high or too low. High or low level of lipase can indicate an underlying medical condition and should be discussed with your doctor.
What Can a Serum Lipase Test Diagnose?
Serum amylase and lipase levels are considered as serum pancreatic markers. Serum lipase is now the preferred test due to its improved sensitivity, it can diagnose a variety of conditions related to the pancreas, including pancreatitis, which can be acute or chronic.
Pancreatitis is a sudden, short term inflammation of the pancreas, and it can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. A lipase test can also be used to evaluate and monitor the functions of the pancreas, as well as diagnose and monitor pancreatic disorders.
Additionally, increased serum levels of lipase can signal the presence of other conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or tumors of the pancreas.
Who Should Get a Serum Lipase Testing?
A serum lipase test is usually recommended for individuals with symptoms of pancreatic diseases, such as:
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea
- Swollen or tender belly
- Fever
- Fast heartbeat
- Weight loss.
It is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for pancreatitis. People who are taking medications that can affect lipase levels, such as diuretics or cholesterol-lowering drugs, may also be advised to have a serum pancreatic lipase test.
Your doctor may also recommend this test if you have other risk factors for pancreatic diseases, such as a family history of pancreatitis or diabetes.
What Are the Risks of a Serum Lipase Test?
A serum lipase test is generally considered safe and carries few risks. The most common risk associated with the test is a slight risk of infection from the needle used to draw the blood. The needle is usually very clean, however, and this risk is very low.
Additionally, some people may experience slight discomfort or pain when their blood is drawn. It is important to tell your doctor if you experience any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site.
How is the Serum Lipase Test Performed?
The serum lipase test is a simple and painless blood test. It is performed by drawing a sample from a vein in your arm, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The lab technician will check the sample for the amounts of lipase present in your blood. The results are usually available within a few days. The process for performing the test is relatively straightforward and does not require any special preparation.
How Can I Prepare for a Serum Lipase Test?
Before getting a serum lipase test, it’s important to discuss any risk factors and concerns with your doctor. You will also need to prepare for the test in order to get accurate results.
Your doctor may ask you to fast for 8-12 hours before the test, or they may advise you to avoid eating or drinking certain foods or beverages that could affect the accuracy of the test.
It’s also important to let your doctor know if you are taking any medications, as these could affect the results. Be sure to follow all instructions given by your doctor for the best results.
“Related: Semen Analysis. Preparations and Results Interpretations“
What Are the Results of a Serum Lipase Test?
The results of a serum lipase test can help diagnose and monitor pancreatic disorders, such as pancreatitis. A normal range for lipase is typically between 10 and 150 units per liter (U/L). High lipase concentrations may indicate pancreatitis, while low levels may be indicative of a blockage in the pancreas.
Your doctor may recommend additional tests or treatments depending on the results of your serum lipase test.
High levels of Lipase more than normal may be caused by:
- Pancreatic diseases, such as a blocked duct (tube) or pancreatic cancer.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Stomach ulcer.
- Gallbladder dysfunction.
- Intestinal issues such as a clogged intestine.
- Diabetes
- Infections and cancers of the salivary (spit) gland
- Alcoholism is a type of alcoholism.
Low levels of Lipase or Lipase deficiency may indicate permanent damage to lipase-producing cells in your pancreas. Certain chronic (long-term) diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis, can cause this.
What Are the Treatments for High or Low Lipase Levels?
If you have high or low lipase levels, the treatment will depend on the cause. If you have acute pancreatitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, pain medications, and other treatments to reduce inflammation and prevent complications.
For chronic pancreatitis, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, as well as medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Your doctor will also likely recommend dietary changes to help manage your condition. These may include eating more fiber-rich foods, avoiding fatty foods, and consuming fewer carbohydrates.
Related tests
- Serum amylase Test.
- Kidney functions.
- Liver functions.
- Abdominal ultrasound.
It is important to note that results of serum lipase test either high or low levels may also be caused by other conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, and any abnormal results should be discussed with your doctor.