High lipase symptoms

Lipase levels normally range from 13 to 78 U/L (units per liter). Acute pancreatitis may be present if the lipase level is more than three times the normal upper limit.

Lipase is a blood test for acute pancreatitis.

However, elevated lipase levels don’t always mean pancreatitis.

This is a doctor’s guide for beginners who want to understand lipase levels and their significance.

1. What is lipase in blood work?

Lipase in blood work is a test used to screen for acute pancreatitis.

When lipase is more than three times the normal upper limit, your doctor may think you have pancreatitis.

Lipase is a small protein molecule that helps your body digest fats (a digestive enzyme). It is produced mainly by the pancreas to digest the fats you eat.

However, lipase is also present in other sites of your body (in lesser amounts).

So, an elevated lipase doesn’t always mean pancreatitis.

Other body tissues that have lipase are:

• Salivary glands.
• The gastrointestinal tract (The intestine, the colon, the liver, and the gal
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