Lipase test in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Duong Xuan Loc - Gastroenterologist - General Surgery Department - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
There are many diagnostic tests for pancreatic disease. However, the lipase test has a very important and more specific role in pancreatic diseases. The lipase test is a test that helps determine the lipase activity in the blood. Diagnosis of pancreatic dysfunction is more specific than the amylase test. Diagnosis of peritonitis, intestinal obstruction or infarction, pancreatic pseudocyst.

1. What is a lipase test?

Lipase is an enzyme derived solely from the pancreas. Lipase is secreted into the gastrointestinal tract and participates in metabolism in the body: Lipase is transported through the pancreatic duct into the duodenum, where it helps to digest triglycerides into easily absorbed fatty acids and glycerol.
Lipase is normally present in the blood in small amounts. When cells in the pancreas are damaged, with pancreatitis, blocked pancreatic ducts due to stones or, rarely, a pancreatic tumor, the amount of lipase transported into the blood increases, increasing lipase levels in the blood.
Lipase test is a test that helps determine the lipase activity in the blood. Diagnosis of pancreatic dysfunction is more specific than the amylase test. Diagnosis of peritonitis, intestinal obstruction or infarction, pancreatic pseudocyst.

2. Lipase test in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases

The purpose of lipase test is to diagnose pancreatic diseases such as: pancreatitis, pancreatic duct stones or pancreatic tumors, pancreatic dysfunction. In addition, the test is also used to diagnose peritonitis, intestinal infarction, intestinal obstruction, diagnose and monitor celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and determine the extent of disease. increase/decrease in lipase over time.
Specific lipase test in the diagnosis of pancreatitis. This test is used to measure the level of lipase in the blood. This test is often ordered along with the amylase test for the purpose of diagnosing and monitoring acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and other disorders of the pancreas.
Lipase testing helps to distinguish abdominal pain due to acute pancreatitis from abdominal pain of other causes. Thereby, lipase activity will quickly determine the source of abdominal pain is pancreatic or extrapancreatic.
Indications for testing in cases of suspected pancreatic disease with manifestations such as:
Epigastric pain, left lower quadrant, spreading to the back, symptoms may appear after eating foods rich in nutrients fat; Nausea or vomiting; Secrets of defecation

3. Meaning of Lipase . Test

3.1 Lipase elevation in cases In acute pancreatitis, lipase levels are usually very high, often 5-10 times higher than the reference value. Lipase levels usually increase within 24-48 hours of acute pancreatic injury and remain elevated up to day 14. Lipase activity can also be increased due to pancreatic duct obstruction, pancreatic cancer, and other diseases. other pancreatic diseases. Elevated lipase in other conditions: Perforated peptic ulcer, acute cholecystitis, small bowel obstruction, intestinal infarction, chronic liver disease, acute and chronic renal failure, peritonitis, alcoholism, a Certain medications can increase lipase levels such as codeine, indomethacin and morphine. 3.2 Decreased Lipase in Cases Decreased lipase levels can be caused by permanent damage to the lipase-producing cells in the pancreas. This can occur in chronic diseases that affect the pancreas, such as cystic fibrosis.

4. Some factors affect lipase test results

Samples with broken red blood cells Blood lipase activity increased when there was the intervention of some drugs such as oral contraceptives, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, corticosteroids, ethanol, antiviral drugs, paracetamol... Active blood lipase levels may decrease with calcium ion intervention Diseases such as chronic kidney disease and high cholesterol Pregnancy Have endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before the lipase test Lipase test is done in the morning . Before the test, the patient must fast for 8-12 hours. The amount of blood taken about 2ml is put in a test tube without anticoagulant or anticoagulant EDTA, lithiheparin. Test results will be available in about 1 hour.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.