📅 Last Updated: April 2026 | 🩺 Medically Reviewed by: Edward Salko, D.O., Medical Director | 🧪 Lab Partner: Labcorp
Also Known As
Amy Test, Amylase Serum, LPS, Serum Lipase
The Purpose of an Amylase and Lipase Test
Amylase and lipase are the two primary enzymes released by the pancreas during digestion. When the pancreas is inflamed or damaged both enzymes leak into the bloodstream in significantly elevated amounts — making this test the standard diagnostic
tool for acute and chronic pancreatitis.
Order online, visit any Labcorp location nationwide, results in your private portal in 24–48 hours. No doctor visit required.
Lipase (001404)
Amylase and Lipase Normal Ranges — What Your Results Mean
| Enzyme | Normal Range | Mildly Elevated | Significantly Elevated |
|—|—|—|—|
| Amylase | 30–110 U/L | 110–200 U/L | Above 200 U/L |
| Lipase | 0–60 U/L | 60–200 U/L | Above 200 U/L |
| Pancreatitis threshold | — | 3x upper limit | Strongly suggests pancreatitis |
| Chronic pancreatitis | May be normal | Variable | Often lower than acute |
Amylase vs. Lipase — Why Both Are Ordered Together
Amylase rises quickly when the pancreas is inflamed — within 6 to 12 hours of an acute episode — but returns to normal within 3 to 5 days even if inflammation continues. This makes amylase useful for detecting very recent pancreatitis but less useful for confirming ongoing or chronic disease.
Lipase is more specific to the pancreas than amylase (amylase is also produced by salivary glands) and remains elevated longer — up to 14 days after an acute episode. For this reason lipase is considered the more reliable single marker for pancreatitis. Testing both together gives the most complete picture.
Levels 3 times the upper limit of normal or greater for either enzyme combined with abdominal pain is the standard diagnostic threshold for acute pancreatitis according to clinical guidelines.
What causes elevated amylase and lipase:
Acute pancreatitis — sudden severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting. Most commonly caused by gallstones or alcohol. This is a medical emergency at high enzyme levels.
Chronic pancreatitis — repeated inflammation from long-term alcohol use, autoimmune disease, or recurrent gallstone episodes. Enzyme levels may be only mildly elevated or even normal in advanced chronic disease as pancreatic tissue
is replaced by scar tissue.
Pancreatic cancer— can cause modest enzyme elevation, though this is not a reliable
cancer screening test.
Other causes of mild elevation — kidney disease (reduced enzyme clearance), intestinal obstruction, perforated peptic ulcer, and salivary gland inflammation (mumps) can elevate amylase
without pancreatitis.
This test is appropriate for anyone with unexplained upper abdominal pain, nausea after fatty meals, or known pancreatic risk factors including heavy alcohol use or gallbladder disease.
Reviewed by Edward Salko, D.O., Medical Director, Personalabs
What Does the Blood Test for Lipase and Amylase Measure?
In addition to producing hormones that regulate blood sugar, the pancreas also generates enzymes that help your body process the food you eat and convert it into energy. This test measures amylase and lipase, two of the four main pancreatic enzymes (the others are trypsin and chymotrypsin). Amylase aids in carbohydrate digestion, while lipase helps the body process fats. Amylase and lipase labs help determine if your levels fall within normal ranges.
Who Should Take a Lipase and Amylase Blood Test?
Some people undergo regular testing if they are being treated for a pancreatic condition. You may also want to order amylase and lipase labs if you are experiencing symptoms that could be linked to a problem with your pancreas, such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Elevated or racing heart rate
- Fever
Amylase and Lipase Blood Test Preparation
This test doesn’t typically require special preparation. However, you may want to check with the lab or your doctor to see if they want you to fast for 8 to 12 hours before testing or stop any medication you are taking to ensure it won’t interfere with the results.
Amylase and Lipase Lab Test Results
Here are the typical normal ranges for amylase and lipase labs:
- Amylase: Between 40 and 140 units per liter (U/L)
- Lipase: Less than 160 U/L
If your results fall outside those ranges, you may need to undergo more testing of your digestive system to pinpoint the issue.
Where Can I Get an Amylase and Lipase Test Near Me?
Trust Personalabs if you want to order a blood test for lipase and amylase with ease and convenience. When you shop online with us, you have your choice of more than 400 health tests. Find the one that works for you, whether you need to learn what’s causing your symptoms or you want to manage your regular healthcare maintenance to maintain a vibrant sense of well-being.
Just follow this simple process:
Step 1: Buy your test (make sure beforehand that your state doesn’t require a doctor’s authorization). The test comes with a lab order that you have to download and take to your blood draw.
Step 2: Find the lab nearest you with our locator tool. Our partnership with Labcorp gives you access to more than 2,000 facilities across the country, so you’re sure to find one near your neighborhood.
Step 3: Go to the lab and give your blood sample. (Don’t forget to bring the lab order with you.)
Step 4: Visit your secure Personalabs portal to get the results, usually within 2 to 10 business days. We can also help you get your results by a specific date if necessary; contact us and we will work with your lab to fulfill your request.
Shop Personalabs today.
Frequently Asked Questions: Amylase and Lipase Blood Test
What does elevated amylase and lipase mean?
Amylase and lipase above 3 times the upper limit of normal combined with abdominal pain is the standard diagnostic threshold for acute pancreatitis. Mildly elevated levels (1 to 3 times normal) can occur with kidney disease, intestinal obstruction, and other abdominal conditions. Lipase is more specific to the pancreas than amylase — elevated lipase with normal amylase still warrants clinical evaluation.
What are symptoms of pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis causes sudden severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back, worsens after eating (especially fatty meals), and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. The pain typically improves slightly leaning forward. Chronic pancreatitis causes recurring abdominal pain, fatty stools (steatorrhea), weight loss, and eventually diabetes from progressive destruction of insulin-producing cells.
What is the difference between amylase and lipase?
Amylase is produced by both the pancreas and salivary glands — it rises rapidly within 6 to 12 hours of pancreatic inflammation but returns to normal within 3 to 5 days. Lipase is more specific to the pancreas and remains elevated for up to 14 days after an acute episode. Together they provide a more complete picture than either alone — lipase is generally considered the more reliable single pancreatic marker.
Do I need to fast for an amylase and lipase blood test?
Fasting for 2 to 4 hours before testing is recommended for most accurate results as recent food intake can temporarily elevate amylase. Available through Personalabs without a doctor’s visit — order online, visit any Labcorp location, results in 24 to 48 hours. HSA and FSA eligible.
Can I order amylase and lipase without a doctor?
Yes. Personalabs provides the physician-approved lab order with your purchase. Order online, visit any Labcorp patient service center near you, and get results in your secure private account within 24 to 48 hours. No referral or insurance required.
