Lipase Test Cost

Lipase test provides the quantitative analysis of lipase present in our blood. A little amount of blood is drawn out of your arm by inserting a needle into your vein for this test. Your upper arm is strapped thoroughly in order to generate pressure on your vein, making it easier for blood withdrawal. The point where needle was inserted is later covered with a tiny bandage or cotton bud to prevent bleeding.

Lipase is an enzyme secreted by your pancreas. It is released in your digestive tract every time you eat something. The function of lipase is to help your intestines simplify the fat content present in your food so that the cell structures in your body can easily absorb them.

Serum Lipase is increased in pancreatitis, perforated or penetrating peptic ulcer (especially with involvement of pancreas). It is also found increased in pancreatic duct obstruction, intestinal infarction, acute and chronic renal failure and chronic liver disease (e.g. cirrhosis).

Lipase is an essential part of your digestive system as it helps your body maintain a normal metabolism and supports cell functionality. Change in the levels of this enzyme can be harmful.

Patients with pancreatic issue must keep a check on the levels of such important enzymes that support digestion. With altered pancreatic functions, the quantity of secretion of lipase may vary and develop disturbance in your digestive processes. This may lead to changes in many other interconnected body functions as well. This test can also be done along with a Amylase test for detection of diseases related to the pancreas.

The following cases are suggested to undergo a regular lipase test:

Chronic pancreatitis – In a chronic pancreatitis, your pancreas is often swollen. This may be due to long term alcohol intake. A swollen pancreas obstructs or narrows the duct from carrying enzymes from your pancreas to your intestine. This results in lack or low amount of lipase in your system; thus interrupting with the process of metabolism.

Pancreatic Cancer – In pancreatic cancer, your pancreas contains cancerous tumor that may block passageways for enzyme secretion or interfere with the production of lipase. This may lead to over or lower production of lipase in your system. A lipase test is used to monitor pancreatic cancer treatment and therapy procedures.

Acute pancreatitis – A sudden swelling of pancreas is termed as acute pancreatitis. Disorders like these affect lipase levels. An lipase evaluation procedure is a part of diagnosis of such disorders.

Celiac disease – A digestive disorder called celiac disease can be another reason of increased levels of lipase in your body. Due to this autoimmune disorder, your body is unable to use all the lipase produced by your pancreas. Test results helps to diagnose and keep track of celiac disease.