What Is a Blood Test?
A blood test is when a sample of blood
is taken from the body to be tested in a lab. Doctors order blood tests to check things
such as the levels of glucose, hemoglobin, or white blood cells. This can help them
detect problems like a disease or medical condition. Sometimes, blood tests can help
them see how well an organ (such as the liver or kidneys)
is working.
What Is a Lipase Test?
A lipase test measures the amount of lipase in the blood. Lipase is an enzyme made
by the pancreas that
helps the body digest fats. A high level of lipase in the blood can be a sign that
the pancreas is injured, irritated, or blocked.
Why Are Lipase Tests Done?
A lipase test may be done if a child has signs of a problem with the pancreas,
such as belly pain, nausea, or vomiting. It also might be done if a child is on medicine
that makes problems with the pancreas more likely.
How Should We Prepare for a Lipase Test?
Your child may be asked to stop eating and drinking for 8 to 12 hours before the
lipase test. Tell your doctor about any medicines your child takes because some drugs
might affect the test results.
Wearing a T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt for the test can make things easier for
your child, and you also can bring along a toy or book as a distraction.
How Is a Lipase Test Done?
Most blood tests take a small amount of blood from a vein. To do that, a health
professional will:
- clean the skin
- put an elastic band (tourniquet) above the area to get the veins to swell with
blood
- insert a needle into a vein (usually in the arm inside of the elbow or on the
back of the hand)
- pull the blood sample into a vial or syringe
- take off the elastic band and remove the needle from the vein
In babies, blood draws are sometimes done as a "heel stick collection." After cleaning
the area, the health professional will prick your baby's heel with a tiny needle (or
lancet) to collect a small sample of blood.
Collecting a sample of blood is only temporarily uncomfortable and can feel like
a quick pinprick.
Can I Stay With My Child During a Lipase Test?
Parents usually can stay with their child during a blood test. Encourage your child
to relax and stay still because tensing muscles can make it harder to draw blood.
Your child might want to look away when the needle is inserted and the blood is collected.
Help your child to relax by taking slow deep breaths or singing a favorite song.
How Long Does a Lipase Test Take?
Most blood tests take just a few minutes. Occasionally, it can be hard to find
a vein, so the health professional may need to try more than once.
What Happens After a Lipase Test?
The health professional will remove the elastic band and the needle and cover the
area with cotton or a bandage to stop the bleeding. Afterward, there may be some mild
bruising, which should go away in a few days.
When Are Lipase Test Results Ready?
Blood samples are processed by a machine, and it may take a few hours to a day
for the results to be available. If the test results show signs of a problem, the
doctor might order other tests to figure out what the problem is and how to treat
it.
Are There Any Risks From Lipase Tests?
A lipase test is a safe procedure with minimal risks. Some kids might feel faint
or lightheaded from the test. A few kids and teens have a strong fear of needles.
If your child is anxious, talk with the doctor before the test about ways to make
the procedure easier.
A small bruise or mild soreness around the blood test site is common and can last
for a few days. Get medical care for your child if the discomfort gets worse or lasts
longer.
If you have questions about the lipase test, speak with your doctor or the health
professional doing the blood draw.
