Lipase
Lipase is an enzyme that helps your body digest fats. It is produced mainly by the pancreas, and a small amount circulates in the blood.
Lipase is a key marker for pancreatic health and is often preferred over amylase because it is more specific to the pancreas. It is especially useful when evaluating for pancreatitis, and it tends to stay elevated a little longer than amylase after an episode.
A higher lipase often reflects irritation or inflammation of the pancreas, and it is one of the more specific signals for this. That said, other factors can influence it, and the degree of elevation does not by itself reveal the severity or exact cause. It is interpreted alongside symptoms and other tests.
A low lipase is generally not considered a health concern and does not usually require any action.
Results are read against your lab's reference range shown next to your value. Your clinician is best placed to interpret lipase in the context of your symptoms and other pancreatic tests.
Sources
Educational context only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex; always discuss your results with a clinician.
