The Amylase blood test is used for diagnosing or monitoring a problem with your pancreas, such as pancreatitis. Amylase is one of several pancreas-produced enzymes to assist in the digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It is secreted into the duodenum by the pancreatic duct and helps to break down dietary carbohydrates. Other organs, in particular, the salivary glands, also produce amylase. Amylase can usually be found in the blood and urine in small amounts. When cells in the pancreas are injured (such as in pancreatitis), or when the pancreatic duct is blocked (by a gallstone or rarely by a pancreatic tumor), increased amounts of amylase are found in the bloodstream, raising blood and urine concentrations, which are the excretion path for amylase from the blood.
This test is commonly ordered if you have symptoms of a pancreatic disorder which include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
Elevated amylase may indicate:
- Acute pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- A blockage in the pancreas
Low amylase can indicate:
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Liver disease
- Cystic fibrosis
Sample Report
Test Code(s):
001396, 243
Preparation:
No special preparation required.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
