Lipase, Serum Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Lipase is a digestive enzyme made chiefly by the pancreas to break down dietary fats in the small intestine. When the pancreas becomes inflamed or injured, this enzyme leaks into the bloodstream and the serum level climbs, which is why a lipase measurement is the single most useful blood test for diagnosing acute pancreatitis. Doctors typically order it when a patient arrives with sudden, severe upper-abdominal pain that bores through to the back, often with nausea, vomiting, and tenderness — a level rising to three times the upper limit of normal strongly supports the diagnosis. Lipase has largely replaced the older amylase test for this purpose because it rises sooner, stays elevated for longer (up to a week), and is more specific to the pancreas, so the two are sometimes run together for confirmation. In Nepal, where gallstone disease and rising alcohol consumption are the two leading triggers of pancreatitis, this test is frequently requested alongside an abdominal ultrasound and liver function tests to pin down the cause. It is also used to monitor known chronic pancreatitis, to investigate unexplained abdominal pain, and occasionally during follow-up of pancreatic injury after trauma or endoscopic procedures. Results are always read in the context of the clinical picture and imaging — modest elevations can occur with kidney impairment, bowel obstruction, or certain medicines, while a long-damaged pancreas may produce surprisingly normal values. A normal result, paired with reassuring symptoms, usually makes significant pancreatic inflammation unlikely.

Sample type

Blood (serum)

Preparation

A short fast of around 8 hours is preferred but not always essential — your doctor will advise. If you are in severe abdominal pain, the sample is usually taken straight away without waiting to fast.

Turnaround time

Reports for Lipase, Serum are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other biochemistry tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Lipase, Serum or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.