Useful For

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that is mainly produced by the acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas. Its physiological role is to hydrolyze the long-chain triglycerides in the small intestine. Serum lipase increases rapidly in patients with acute and recurrent pancreatitis, pancreatic abscess or pseudocyst, pancreatic trauma, pancreatic cancer, common-bile-duct obstruction, and ingestion of drugs that are toxic to the pancreas. It is also increased by most inflammatory conditions in the abdominal cavity, biliary tract disease, abdominal abscesses, and renal failure. Lipase is more specific than total amylase in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.