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Lipase
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml
Test Code: LPE
Tube type: SST
Other acceptable tube types
Lithium heparin (pale green)
Special instructions
None
Reference Range
0 - <10 years: <30
10 - <18 years: <40
18+ years: <67
Units
IU/L
Turnaround Time
1
day
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Investigation of suspected acute pancreatitis.
Significantly elevated lipase (>3x ULN), If consistent with characteristic clinical features or characteristic findings on imaging, supports a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.
Moderately raised lipase (2-3x ULN), if symptoms correlate, is suggestive of acute pancreatitis. Other causes to consider include GI or liver disease, acute cholecystitis, acute kidney injury, renal colic, pyelonephritis and malignancy.
A normal or moderately raised (<2x ULN) serum lipase. Unless clinical signs are consistent with acute pancreatitis, consider other causes. Acute pancreatitis is not excluded however and if clinical signs are consistent, further investigations e.g. appropriate imaging may still be warranted.
Lipase activity in serum does not correlate well with severity of acute pancreatitis and has no prognostic value.
Serial testing to monitor recovery or severity is not recommended. Please do not repeat lipase request once a diagnosis has been made. NG104.
See link to Bath RUH Acute Medicine Acute Pancreatitis guideline SURG 002
Website Updated July 2026 C.Padget
