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Lipase, Serum

What is it?

Lipase is an enzyme present in the pancreas (pan-kree-us). An enzyme (n-zime) is a protein that will help accelerate a chemical reaction in your system. The pancreas is a small organ located near the gut. A number of the enzymes released from the pancreas help break food down so it can be used by your body. Serum lipase levels are used in the identification of severe (acute ) pancreatitis (pan-kree-uh-ti-tis). The pancreas is the organ in your body with the lipase activity.

Why do I want it?

When you have tummy pain, your physician might want to acquire yourself a lipase level. A lipase level can help tell if the pain is caused by pancreatitis (pan-kree-uh-ti-tis). Pancreatitis is also swelling and inflammation of the pancreas. The degree can be valuable to see how the procedure for pancreatitis is currently working. Ask your physician.

Just how do I prepare yourself for the exam?

Your caregivers will tell you when to have your blood test done. If you have to wait to take your medicines until after your blood has been taken, Consult your caregivers.

How is the specimen collected?

A caregiver will put a wide rubber band around your arm and tighten it. The skin will be cleaned with alcohol. A small needle will probably be placed into a vein in your arm or hand. The tube has suction to pull the blood. When the tube is full, the rubber strap, needle and tube are removed. The caregiver will press a piece of cotton where the needle has been removed. You may well be requested to hold the cotton on the website for a few moments to help stop the bleeding. Tape may then be put on the cotton on your arm.

What do I do after the exam?

You will take out the tape and cotton in about 20 to thirty minutes. Call your caregiver to get the results of your exam. Your physician will explain what your test results mean for you. Follow your caregiver`s instructions.

Care Agreement

You have the right. To help with this plan, you need to understand your laboratory tests. You can go over the outcome. Work with them to decide what care may be applied to treat you. You also have the right to refuse treatment.

Further information

Always ask your healthcare provider to make sure the information displayed on these pages pertains to your circumstances.