Amylase and lipase are enzymes made mainly by the pancreas. Raised levels — especially lipase — are used to help diagnose pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in someone with abdominal pain.
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Amylase | ≈ 30–110 U/L |
| Lipase | ≈ 0–160 U/L |
| Pancreatitis | often raised 3× or more above normal |
They point towards pancreatitis when there is matching abdominal pain, but can also rise for other reasons. A doctor interprets them with your symptoms and scans.
Lipase is more specific to the pancreas and stays raised longer, so it is often the preferred test for suspected pancreatitis.
Usually no special preparation is needed, but avoid alcohol beforehand and follow any instructions your lab gives.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.