Pancreas Blood Test: Amylase and Lipase for Pancreatitis
Updated: 2 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer
A pancreas blood test measures two digestive enzymes the pancreas makes: amylase and lipase. It's mainly used to help diagnose acute pancreatitis in someone with severe upper belly pain. Levels around three times the normal limit are typical in acute pancreatitis. Neither test shows how severe pancreatitis is, so imaging is often needed too.
What the research says
The tests help but can miss cases: a Cochrane review of 10 studies with 5,056 people with sudden belly pain found that amylase and lipase above three times normal had sensitivities of about 72% and 79% and specificities of about 93% and 89%, meaning roughly a quarter of people with acute pancreatitis can be missed (Rompianesi G et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017) [2]
Lipase is usually the better single test: a review found lipase is more sensitive than amylase and stays raised longer, and that ordering both adds little diagnostic value, so many guidelines now recommend lipase alone (Ismail OZ, Bhayana V, Clinical Biochemistry, 2017) [3]
Key takeaways
Measures amylase and lipase, two enzymes made by the pancreas.
Mainly used to help diagnose acute pancreatitis.
No fasting or special preparation is needed.
Levels about three times normal are typical in acute pancreatitis.
Enzyme levels don't show how severe pancreatitis is.
What does the pancreas do?
The pancreas sits behind your stomach. It releases digestive enzymes into the small intestine and hormones such as insulin into the blood. When the pancreas is inflamed or damaged, its enzymes leak into the bloodstream, where a blood test can measure them. Sources: [1]
Types of pancreas blood tests
Lipase is more specific to the pancreas than amylase.
Test | What the enzyme does | Typical normal range |
Amylase | Helps digest carbohydrates | About 23–85 U/L (some labs up to 140 U/L) |
Helps digest fats | About 0–160 U/L |
Ranges vary between labs, so your results are compared with your lab's reference range. Sources: [1]
Why is it done?
Severe belly pain is the most common reason for testing.
To diagnose or rule out acute pancreatitis, including gallstone pancreatitis.
When you have severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fever or back pain.
To check for other pancreas problems. Sources: [1]
This blood test checks for pancreas injury. Problems with how the pancreas digests food, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, need different tests. Sources: [1]
How do I prepare?
No fasting or special preparation is needed. Wear a short-sleeved or loose shirt so your arm is easy to reach. Sources: [1]
What happens during the test?
A provider cleans the skin and ties an elastic band around your upper arm.
A small needle is placed into a vein and blood is collected in a tube.
The band and needle are removed and the site is bandaged.
The sample goes to a lab. The draw takes one to two minutes. Sources: [1]
Risks are small: a sore arm or bruising, and rarely fainting, bleeding or infection. Sources: [1]
Understanding your results
Results are interpreted with symptoms and imaging.
Normal: acute pancreatitis is less likely, though it can still occur, especially if testing is done late.
About three times normal or higher: typical of acute pancreatitis or pancreas damage.
Mildly high amylase: may come from outside the pancreas, which is why lipase is more specific. Sources: [1, 2, 3]
Enzyme levels can't tell how severe pancreatitis is. If results are high, your provider may order a pancreas ultrasound, CT scan, MRI such as MRCP or endoscopic ultrasound. Sources: [1]
Conclusion
A pancreas blood test is a fast, simple first step when acute pancreatitis is suspected. Lipase is the more reliable marker, but results are always read alongside your symptoms and imaging. Severe belly pain needs prompt medical care.
Keep learning: read about pancreatitis and the lipase blood test.
Frequently asked questions
What does a pancreas blood test measure?
The digestive enzymes amylase and lipase.
Why is it done?
Mainly to help diagnose acute pancreatitis.
Do I need to fast?
No special preparation is needed.
What is a normal lipase level?
About 0–160 U/L, though labs vary.
What is a normal amylase level?
About 23–85 U/L; some labs use up to 140 U/L.
What level suggests pancreatitis?
About three times the normal limit or higher.
Which is better, amylase or lipase?
Lipase is more specific to the pancreas and stays high longer.
Can results be normal with pancreatitis?
Yes. The tests can miss some cases.
Do high levels show how severe it is?
No. Severity is judged by symptoms, other tests and imaging.
What happens if my levels are high?
Your provider may order imaging such as ultrasound or CT.
Related Reading
Pancreatitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — A Clear Guide to Understanding and Managing the Condition the main condition these tests detect.
Lipase Blood Test: Normal Range, High and Low Levels and What They Mean a closer look at the lipase test.
Pancreas: Function, Location, Anatomy and Common Conditions how the pancreas works.
Gallstone Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment a common cause of acute pancreatitis.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Outlook — What You Need to Know when the pancreas doesn't make enough enzymes.
Amylase Test: Blood and Urine Amylase, Normal Range and Results explains the blood and urine test for the digestive enzyme amylase.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Pancreas Blood Tests: Types, Prep, Procedure & Results. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated July 12, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/12029-pancreas-function-tests
Rompianesi G, Hann A, Komolafe O, et al. Serum amylase and lipase and urinary trypsinogen and amylase for diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;4(4):CD012010. PMID 28431198. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012010.pub2
Ismail OZ, Bhayana V. Lipase or amylase for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis? Clin Biochem. 2017;50(18):1275-1280. PMID 28720341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2017.07.003
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.
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