The lipase blood test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. The normal concentration of lipase in the blood is very low. When the pancreatic function is disrupted, for example by infection or cancer, the pancreas will begin to secrete pancreatic enzymes into the blood including pancreatic lipase. High levels of lipase may indicate that the pancreas is diseased or not working correctly.
The lipase blood test is often ordered along with an amylase blood test in the diagnosis of disorders of the pancreas. A lipase blood test is also sometimes used to help diagnose and monitor celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn’s disease.