Measurement of lipase is particularly useful in diagnosing pancreatitis because the pancreas is the only organ that secretes enzymes.
Lipase function
Lipase aids in digestion by breaking down fat triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.
Fatty acids are the source of energy used by the heart and muscle during prolonged exercise or work. Fat also provides energy metabolism during fasting.
Normal Value Lab
The normal range for lipase is 3 to 73 units / L. Many drugs can affect the level of lipase.
Increased lipase can be caused by Solumedrol (steroids), morpine, codeine, narcotics, and indomethacin.
Dialysis (dialysis) also increase the amount of lipase, so that blood samples should be taken prior to dialysis.
Lipase levels may be decreased when patients taking protamine or saline IV infusion.
Lipase test use
Lipase is released into the bloodstream when the pancreatic cells were damaged. Increased lipase levels indicate pancreatic disease, as well as acute and chronic pancreatitis.
Lipase test is also helpful in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Many conditions can be diagnosed with pancreatic lipase level measures, including cysts and inflammation of the pancreas, and gallbladder inflammation.
Kidney failure can also be diagnosed because the kidneys secrete lipase during the decline of kidney function.
method Sample
Lipase sample taken from a vein using a small needle. Blood samples were then injected into the tube laboratory. Only a small amount of blood is needed to run the tests.
interpretation of Results
Keep in mind that the single lipase abnormal values obtained from laboratory tests can not be used for the definitive diagnosis of a medical condition.
Other tests include urine analysis, x-ray, MRI and CT scans, needs to be done to make an accurate diagnosis.
