Amylase and lipase tests are used to detect two important digestive enzymes in our bloodstream. When there is an abnormal level it indicates the individual has a medical ailment such as pancreatitis or an issue with the...
Introduction
Amylase and lipase tests are used to detect two important digestive enzymes in our bloodstream. When there is an abnormal level it indicates the individual has a medical ailment such as pancreatitis or an issue with the kidneys.
Amylase helps assist the body in breaking down starches, while lipase aids the body in digesting fats. Amylase and lipase are produced by the pancreas, which is a glandular organ that lies behind the stomach. Pancreas is also responsible for producing digestive juices that flow into the small intestine apart from other enzymes.
Understanding pancreatitis
When there is inflammation of the pancreas, the condition is called pancreatitis. It is usually marked by high levels of amylase and lipase in the bloodstream.
So, Amylase and lipase test is ordered to detect pancreatitis in an individual. These tests provide the amount of these enzymes circulating in the patient’s bloodstream. Doctors order these tests when a patient exhibits symptoms of acute pancreatitis or another pancreatic problem to confirm the diagnosis.
Some of the symptoms of pancreatitis are:
Abdominal pain may have other causes apart from the ones mentioned above. It could due to appendicitis, intestinal blockage, or ectopic pregnancy in people with a uterus, among others.
Hence, checking the levels of amylase and lipase levels is crucial in determining if the cause of these symptoms is something else or pancreatitis.
Normal levels of amylase and lipase
Enzymes are proteins that are manufactured by our body and intended for a particular job. The pancreas makes amylase to break down carbohydrates in food converting them into simple sugars. On the other hand, lipase is also produced by the pancreas to help in digesting fats into fatty acids. Sugars and fatty acids are then absorbed by the small intestine.
Moreover, some amounts of amylase and lipase are also present in saliva and the stomach. But, generally, most of the enzymes the pancreas makes are released into the small intestine.
In a normal person, a healthy blood amylase level is around 23 to 85 units per liter (U/L). It may vary depending on labs as ranges for these levels bank on where the labs are processed.
On the other hand, a normal level of lipase can range from 0 to 160 U/L, again depending on the particular lab.
When the pancreas has a problem or is damaged, the levels of these digestive enzymes go up in the blood, which is above normal. An above three times the normal levels of amylase or lipase results show that the patient suffers from pancreatitis or has a damaged pancreas.
However, at times the results may show normal abnormal amylase or lipase levels, yet there can be significant damage to the pancreas. These are very cases though and the prominent symptom here would be abdominal pain. It is mostly in the early stage of the damage to the pancreas that amylase or lipase levels may show normal.
Preparing for an amylase and lipase test
The patient needs to fast for at least eight to 12 hours before an impending amylase or lipase blood test. The person should wear loose-fitting and short-sleeved clothes for the test. It will help in accessing the vein.
What you can expect during an amylase and lipase test
As discussed above abdominal pain or other symptoms could have a multitude of causes. Amylase and lipase tests are just the tip of the iceberg.
For the test, the doctor will look into the medical and family history, conduct a physical examination, and inquire about any medication the patient may be taking presently.
An amylase or lipase test is conducted by drawing a small amount of blood from the vein by a technician. The test is done as follows:
A healthcare technician will rub and clean the area of skin around a vein in the elbow or it could be on the back of the hand with an antiseptic.
Then he or she will tie an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure and allow the blood to fill the vein through a needle inserted into the vein.
Blood will be collected and put into a vial or small tube. The process will take only a minute or two. After that the elastic band will be removed, sending the blood sample to a laboratory for analysis.
Risk factors associated with amylase and lipase test
There is very minimal risk linked to amylase and lipase test. It may cause a small amount of pain along with bruising at the site of needle insertion. Excessive bleeding, lightheadedness, fainting, and infection may rarely happen after the test.
Since decreased kidney function can also result in high amylase levels, the doctor may order further blood tests or a urine amylase test.
Interpretation of the results
As we now know, high levels of lipase and amylase may signal pancreatic injury or another disease.
Most studies reveal that levels three times above the upper limit of normal generally point toward pancreatitis. But, lipase levels alone are not sufficient to declare the severity of acute pancreatitis. Despite these test results being abnormal, the patient may need other tests, such as:
- Ultrasound
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Endoscopy, etc.
High amylase levels indicate that there’s a problem, but it may not necessarily be due to the pancreas. On the other hand, lipase levels tend to be more specific for pancreatic disorders as compared to amylase levels. Thus, an evaluation of the results of these two tests along with the symptoms helps the doctor to diagnose or rule out pancreatitis.
Hence, in case of severe abdominal pain, one should rush to see the doctor immediately. Looking at the results of an amylase and lipase test, apart from the medical history, the doctor is in a position to decide if additional tests are required or what treatment should be initiated.
Conclusion
So, we have seen that an amylase and lipase test can help in diagnosing certain conditions, such as acute pancreatitis. The blood tests for these digestive enzymes can shed light when symptoms are related to low blood amylase and lipase levels. These tests are useful in helping the doctor strike out certain ailments.
If you are scheduled to get blood amylase or lipase tests, consult beforehand with your doctor about the necessary preparation, and how you can look at the results after the tests. If you want to know more about amylase and lipase test cost, you should talk directly to the laboratory or the healthcare facility to get an exact quote.
FAQs
What happens when amylase is high?
When amylase levels are higher beyond the normal range it could indicate various conditions, including acute pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the pancreas), exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, and other related disorders.
What disease is amylase and lipase?
In the case of acute pancreatitis, the amylase levels can quickly rise within a span of three to six hours from the beginning of symptoms, and they may remain high for up to five days. On the other hand, lipase usually surges at 24 hours with serum concentrations remaining high for eight to 14 days.
Can pancreatitis be cured?
There is no permanent known cure for chronic pancreatitis. However, the associated pain and symptoms can be managed or even prevented. Since chronic pancreatitis is most often a result of excess drinking, quitting alcohol is often one of the best ways to ease the pain.
What is a dangerously high lipase level?
The normal range of lipase for adults younger than 60 is 10 to 140 U/L. For adults aged 60 and older the normal range is 24 to 151 U/L. When the lipase levels are higher than normal, it means that the individual has a problem with the pancreas. If the blood has three to 10 times above the normal level, then it's a sign of acute pancreatitis.
Is high amylase serious?
Most of the amylase in the body is produced by the pancreas and salivary glands. It is normal to have a small amount of amylase in the blood and urine. But, when it is abnormally high or low, it could mean a potential disorder in the pancreas or salivary glands, or maybe another underlying medical condition.
Can high amylase be cured?
Quitting alcohol and taking all the prescribed medications by the doctor can go a long way o manage high blood amylase levels. A patient should strictly adhere to what the doctor says and follow the advice at all times.
What foods should be avoided when lipase levels are high?
One should curtail fats and oils, including butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and salad dressing, to not more than one tablespoon per meal. One should also shun high-fat foods, such as whole milk, chocolate, ice cream, egg yolks, and processed cheese. Fried, deep-fried, or buttered foods are also best avoided.
Which fruit is good for the pancreas?
Fruits like apples and red grapes are best ideal to maintain good pancreas health. The resveratrol in these fruits fights inflammation and cancer in the pancreas.
