Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
It's usually ordered for upper belly pain.
Why it's done
- Severe upper belly pain, especially going to the back
- Following pancreatitis
Getting ready and what happens
- You may be asked to fast.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
What the results mean
| Result | Typical range for adults |
|---|---|
| Lipase | Below about 60 U/L (labs vary widely) |
| Suggests pancreatitis | About 3 times the lab's upper limit or higher, with typical pain |
Normal ranges vary from lab to lab and can differ by age, sex, and pregnancy. Your report lists your lab's own range next to each result. A result a little outside the range is often not a problem.
Very high
With upper belly pain, suggests pancreatitis, often from gallstones or alcohol.
Mildly high
Can occur with kidney disease, some medicines, or other belly problems.
When a result needs quick action
Call 911Severe belly pain with vomiting, fever, or fainting
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
- What's causing my pancreatitis?
- Do I need an ultrasound for gallstones?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.