The specific enzyme test for pancreatitis is called a lipase test. Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and is released into the small intestine when food is digested. When the pancreas is inflamed or damaged due to pancreatitis, lipase levels in the blood can be elevated. The lipase test is used to diagnose pancreatitis and can help differentiate it from other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
What is a Lipase Test?
A lipase test is a laboratory test that measures the amount of the enzyme lipase in a sample of blood or other bodily fluid. Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and is released into the small intestine when food is digested. Elevated levels of lipase in the blood can be a sign of pancreatitis, an inflammation or infection of the pancreas.
How is a Lipase Test Performed?
A lipase test can be performed on a sample of blood or other bodily fluid, such as bile or urine. For a blood test, a sample of blood is taken from a vein in the arm or hand. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
What are the Results of a Lipase Test?
The results of a lipase test are usually reported as a numerical value. Generally, a lipase level of less than 200 units per liter (U/L) is considered normal. Levels between 200 and 1000 U/L may indicate pancreatitis. Levels higher than 1000 U/L are considered very high and may indicate a serious problem.
What Diseases Can a Lipase Test Diagnose?
A lipase test can be used to diagnose pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed or infected. It can also help differentiate between pancreatitis and other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.