Lipase Blood Test: Normal Ranges and Causes of Elevated or Low Levels

Normal Ranges

• Adults: 0–160 U/L (IU/L)
• Children: 10–70 U/L (IU/L)

Ranges vary slightly by lab; always compare to your lab's reference interval.

Causes of High Lipase

• Acute/chronic pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Alcohol abuse
• Medications (statins, estrogens)

Causes of Low Lipase

• Severe liver disease
• Pancreatic cancer
• Cystic fibrosis
• Malabsorption syndromes
• Medications (antacids, proton pump inhibitors)

Abnormal results warrant further investigation by your healthcare provider.