Amylase Test
1,000 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
Amy test, urine amylase, amylase
Purpose of An Amylase Test
The Amylase Test measures the level of amylase, an enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates, in your blood or urine. This test plays a key role in diagnosing and monitoring conditions affecting the pancreas, particularly acute or chronic pancreatitis.
The pancreas releases amylase into the digestive tract. When it’s inflamed or damaged, amylase can leak into the bloodstream or urine, causing levels to rise. Elevated or decreased levels may indicate pancreatic dysfunction, intestinal blockage, or salivary gland disorders. Early detection helps guide timely treatment and prevent complications such as pancreatic necrosis or infection.
Other tests that can be performed alongside, lipase test, liver function tests (LFTs), and complete blood count (CBC). Together, these tests provide a comprehensive view of digestive enzyme activity and help pinpoint the underlying cause of symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Patient Preparation for Amylase Test
The patient should avoid medicines like aspirin, opiates, birth control, and diuretics.
Samples
1ml with a minimum volume of 0.7ml of Serum or plasma collected in a Gel-barrier tube, red-top tube, or green-top tube (lithium heparin.) Avoid using EDTA, oxalate, or citrate plasma.
Plasma or serum should be separated within 45 minutes of sample collection. Store the sample at room temperature.
Reference Range
40-140U/L (units per liter)
Results Turnaround
Within 24 hours of receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators of Amylase
Possible Outcomes of the Test
- High amylase levels:
Suggest acute pancreatitis or another pancreatic issue. Levels may also rise due to salivary gland disorders or gastrointestinal problems.
- Low amylase levels:
It may occur in chronic pancreatitis or advanced pancreatic damage, where the pancreas no longer produces adequate enzymes.
- Normal amylase levels:
Typically indicates the absence of acute pancreatic conditions. However, further testing (like a lipase test or imaging) may be necessary if symptoms persist.
For more information on the relationship between increased amylase levels and other disorders, see this section on enzyme function in clinical diagnosis.