Alipasetest is a blood test that measures the protein lipase.
Lipase is an enzyme made by thepancreasthat aids in the digestion and absorption of fat.
Purpose of Test
A lipase test is performed whenever there is suspicion of injury to the pancreas.
Lipase spills out of the pancreas when it is damaged.
Serumamylase, a digestive enzyme involved in the breakdown of starches, is often ordered alongside a lipase test.
Risks and Contraindications
A lipase test is a relatively low-risk procedure accomplished by drawing a blood sample.
The benefits far outweigh the risk.
Currently, there are no contraindications to getting a lipase test.
Timing and Location
The lipase test is a blood test.
The sample is often drawn in an outpatient office.
A laboratory will determine your lipase levels.
The timing of when you get your results will depend on the volume of work the laboratory has.
But in outpatient controls, a medical staff member will call you with the results.
What to Wear
A lipase test requires only a blood draw.
A needle will be inserted to collect the blood sample.
You do not need to bring a change of clothes for this procedure.
That means no food or drink besides water.
A lipase test costs between $40 and $60 if you do not have insurance.
Bring a small snack to eat after your exam since you will have had to fast beforehand.
There are no other special considerations.
Less frequently, lipase levels may be checked in the urine.
A urine lipase test does not require any special preparation.
Measurements such as weight, blood pressure, and temperature may be taken.
Throughout the Test
Blood draws are often performed by aphlebotomist, a person trained in blood collection.
Sometimes a nurse or other healthcare provider will perform the blood draw.
They will verify your identity and label the blood collection tubes.
Next, they will use a sterile needle to puncture the skin and collect the blood in a vial.
The needlestick may feel like a small pinch, causing you a small amount of pain.
The pain usually subsides pretty quickly.
Post-Test
After the test is completed, your provider may ask you how you are feeling.
If you are feeling well, you are free to go.
After the Test
After your test, be sure to drink a lot of water.
If you need any follow-up tests, your healthcare provider will notify you.
Normal ranges for lipase may vary by lab and method used.
These should be included in the report in your medical record.
One normal lipase range for adults 60 and younger is 10 to 140 units per liter (U/L).
For adults over 60, the normal lipase range is 24 to 151 U/L.
Increases 3 to 10 times higher than the upper limits of normal are more characteristic of acute pancreatitis.
Low lipase levels may mean that the cells that create lipase in the pancreas are damaged.
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