Lipase Test Results: Understanding Normal & Abnormal Levels

Normal lipase results:

- Adults: 0-160 IU/L or U/L

- Children: 10-70 IU/L or U/L

Lipase levels may vary slightly from lab to lab, so it's important to compare your results to the reference range provided by your healthcare provider.

Possible causes of abnormal lipase levels:

- High lipase:

- Acute pancreatitis

- Chronic pancreatitis

- Gallbladder disease

- Liver disease

- Kidney disease

- Alcohol abuse

- Medications, such as statins and estrogens

- Low lipase:

- Severe liver disease

- Pancreatic cancer

- Cystic fibrosis

- Malabsorption syndromes

- Medications, such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors

Note: If you have abnormal lipase levels, your healthcare provider will likely order additional tests to determine the cause.