Lipase (LPS) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Lipase (LPS) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Serum Lipase Test, LPS, Blood Lipase Test, Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity (PLI) Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | Yes – 10 to 12 hours; only water permitted |
| Report Time | Within 6 to 24 hours (typically same day) |
| Recommended For | All ages, both genders; anyone with suspected pancreatic disorders |
| Price | Starting at ₹590 |
What Is a Lipase LPS Test?
A lipase LPS test is a blood lipase test that measures the amount of lipase enzyme in your bloodstream. Lipase is produced mainly by the pancreas and helps your body break down fats during digestion. Doctors order this test when they suspect a problem with the pancreas, such as inflammation or injury. It is also known as the serum lipase test or Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity (PLI) Test.
What Does a Lipase LPS Test Measure?
The test measures a single enzyme in your blood. Here is what that tells your doctor:
| Parameter | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| Serum Lipase | The level of lipase enzyme circulating in your blood. Small amounts are normal; raised levels can indicate pancreatic or other digestive disorders. |
Under normal conditions, most lipase travels from the pancreas to the small intestine to digest fats. Only a small amount enters the bloodstream. When the pancreas is damaged or inflamed, it releases larger quantities of lipase into the blood.
Why Is a Lipase LPS Test Done?
A doctor may request this test for several reasons, from investigating sudden abdominal pain to checking for underlying digestive disorders.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are common reasons a doctor orders a serum lipase test:
- Moderate to severe abdominal pain that may spread to the lower back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid heart rate or fast, shallow breathing
- Fatty or pale-coloured stools
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Swollen (inflamed) stomach
- Unexplained weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify a range of pancreatic and digestive conditions. These include:
- Acute pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the pancreas)
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Blocked pancreatic duct
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
- Intestinal blockage or reduced blood supply to the intestines
- Kidney disease
- Cystic fibrosis (which can cause low lipase levels)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Knowing what to do before your test helps ensure your results are accurate.
Do You Need to Fast?
Yes, fasting is required before a blood lipase test. You should not eat or drink anything for 10 to 12 hours beforehand. Plain water is permitted. Avoid tea, coffee, milk, or any other beverages until after your sample has been collected.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help your test go smoothly:
- Inform your doctor about all medicines you take, including birth control pills, diuretics (water tablets), codeine, or cholesterol medicines, as these can affect results
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test, as it can raise lipase levels
- Drink enough water to stay well hydrated; this makes blood collection easier
- Wear a loose-sleeved top for easy access to your arm
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during sample collection for this test:
- You arrive at the collection centre or welcome the phlebotomist (the trained professional who collects blood) at home after your fasting period.
- A soft elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- The skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A small needle is used to draw a blood sample into a collection tube; you may feel a brief, mild sting.
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to stop any minor bleeding.
- Your labelled sample is dispatched to the laboratory for analysis, and your report is delivered within the stated turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your LPS result. Be sure to mention these to your doctor:
- Certain medications (codeine, diuretics, birth control pills, some cholesterol medicines)
- Recent or ongoing alcohol consumption
- Kidney disease, which can raise lipase levels independently
- The timing of the test relative to symptom onset; lipase rises within 4 to 8 hours of pancreatic injury and may read normal if tested too early
- Recent endoscopic procedures involving the digestive tract
Understanding Your Lipase LPS Test Results
Your doctor will review your results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other tests. The table below shows general reference ranges:
| Parameter | Normal Range | Elevated | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Lipase (adults under 60) | 10 to 140 U/L | Above 140 U/L | Below 10 U/L |
| Serum Lipase (adults 60 and older) | 24 to 151 U/L | Above 151 U/L | Below 24 U/L |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
A result three or more times above the upper normal limit often points to acute pancreatitis. Low levels may suggest long-term damage to the pancreas, as seen in chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis. Mildly raised levels without pancreatic symptoms may be linked to kidney, liver, or intestinal conditions.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain health conditions can alter your lipase reading without indicating pancreatic disease:
- Kidney disease (renal impairment): The kidneys help clear lipase from the blood. In end-stage renal disease, lipase levels can be noticeably elevated even when the pancreas is healthy.
- Certain medications: Codeine, morphine, diuretics, and hormonal contraceptives can raise lipase levels independently of any pancreatic problem.
- Timing of symptoms: Lipase peaks around 24 hours after pancreatic injury and returns to normal within 8 to 14 days. Tests done too early in the course of illness may produce near-normal readings.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
General lifestyle habits can support pancreatic health over time:
- Follow a balanced diet with reduced fat intake, particularly saturated and fried foods
- Avoid or limit alcohol, as it is a known trigger for pancreatic inflammation
- Maintain a healthy body weight through regular physical activity and a varied diet
Lupin Diagnostics Lipase LPS Test Price and Home Collection
The lipase LPS test is available at Lupin Diagnostics with home collection across cities. Indicative prices across major Indian cities are listed below:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Nagpur | ₹700 |
| Mumbai | ₹650 |
| Bangalore | ₹600 |
| Hyderabad | ₹650 |
| Indore | ₹600 |
| Chennai | ₹590 |
| Pune | ₹600 |
| Kolkata | ₹650 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the blood lipase test across multiple cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained technologists. Your digital report is shared securely via email or WhatsApp as soon as it is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
A lipase test is most commonly used to investigate suspected pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. It may also be ordered to check for other pancreatic conditions, such as a blocked duct or cyst. Doctors often request it alongside other tests, such as an amylase test, for a fuller picture of digestive health.
Fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test, taking only water. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand. Tell your doctor about every medicine or supplement you are currently taking, as several common drugs can influence your results.
A raised lipase level means more of the enzyme has entered your bloodstream than usual, which often points to pancreatic injury or inflammation. A result three or more times above the normal upper limit is a strong indicator of acute pancreatitis. Other causes include gallbladder disease, intestinal problems, kidney disease, or certain medications.
Yes, they can. Conditions such as kidney disease, cirrhosis, bowel obstruction, and diabetic ketoacidosis can all raise lipase levels. Some medicines, including codeine, diuretics, and birth control pills, can also produce elevated readings without any pancreatic involvement.
Lipase has largely replaced amylase as the preferred test for diagnosing acute pancreatitis. Lipase stays elevated in the blood for 8 to 14 days after an episode, compared to a shorter window for amylase. This makes the serum lipase test more useful when patients present for testing more than 24 hours after symptoms begin.
Results for the LPS test are typically available within 6 hours, though some laboratories may take up to 24 hours. At Lupin Diagnostics, your report is delivered digitally once it is ready.
The test involves a routine blood draw, which is a very common procedure. You may feel a brief, mild sting when the needle is inserted, but it passes quickly, and the whole process usually takes under five minutes. There are no significant risks beyond occasional minor bruising at the puncture site.
Lipase (LPS) Test
