Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Lipase: Low Result: What Does It Mean?

Low lipase can be associated with chronic pancreatic damage or reduced pancreatic enzyme production; other pancreatic tests and clinical findings are important.

Test summary

Test name: Lipase
Abbreviations: LIP
Category: Pancreatic / Digestive Enzymes
Panel: Pancreatic Assessment
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: U/L

What does the test measure?

The Lipase test measures the level of lipase, a fat-digesting enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas.

Why is the test ordered?

It is used especially when acute pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders are suspected; amylase and lipase are often interpreted together with clinical findings.

Information about a low result

Low lipase can be associated with chronic pancreatic damage or reduced pancreatic enzyme production; other pancreatic tests and clinical findings are important.

Information about a high result

High lipase can be strongly associated with pancreatic injury, especially acute pancreatitis, but can also rise in other gastrointestinal and kidney conditions.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit, specimen type and method. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference range 1

>= 0 – <= 160 U/L

Population: Adults / general laboratory example
Age range: 18
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Example serum lipase reference interval

This is sourced reference/clinical-context information and should not be used alone as a diagnosis or treatment decision. The laboratory report, medication use and clinical context take priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Lipase can be more pancreas-specific than amylase but does not diagnose pancreatitis by itself. Kidney function and other abdominal conditions can also affect the result.

Related specialties

Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Emergency Medicine
General Surgery

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Amylase Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · Amylase testing and pancreatic/salivary interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Lipase Tests — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Lipase testing and pancreatic interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Lipase test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical encyclopedia · 2025 · Example 0–160 U/L lipase reference interval · Verified: Aug 12, 2026