Word parts
lip/o fat-ase enzyme
What it means
The pancreasPAN-kree-usA long, flat gland behind the stomach that makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.pan- allcreas fleshFull entry sends lipase into the small intestine to digest fat. When the pancreas is inflamed, lipase leaks into the blood, so the serum lipase is used to check for acute pancreatitis: a level three or more times the upper limit of normal supports that diagnosis. Normal values differ a lot between labs, so read the result against the range the lab prints with it.
For the nurse
Report a high lipase, especially with severe upper belly pain that spreads to the back.
At a glance
| Spanish | lipasa |
|---|---|
| Also written | serum lipase, lipase level, lipase levels |
Related terms
pancreas
A long, flat gland behind the stomach that makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.