Amylase - blood
Pancreatitis - blood amylaseAmylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is made primarily in the pancreas and the glands that make saliva, and can be found at low levels in other parts of the body. When the pancreas is diseased or inflamed, it releases increased amounts of amylase into the blood.
Enzyme
Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change. For example, they can help break down the foods we eat so the body can use them....
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleA test can be done to measure the level of this enzyme in your blood.
Amylase may also be measured with a urine amylase test.
Urine amylase test
This is a test that measures the amount of amylase in urine. Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is produced mainly in the pan...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleHow the Test is Performed
A blood sample is taken from a vein.
Blood sample
Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleHow to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed. However, you should avoid alcohol before the test. The health care provider may ask you to stop taking drugs that may affect the test. Do not stop taking any medicines without first talking to your provider.
Drugs that can increase amylase measurements include:
- Asparaginase
- Aspirin
- Birth control pills
- Cholinergic medicines
- Ethacrynic acid
- Methyldopa
- Opiates (codeine, meperidine, and morphine)
- Thiazide diuretics
How the Test will Feel
You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted to draw blood. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is most often used to diagnose or monitor acute pancreatitis. It may also detect some digestive tract problems.
Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is sudden swelling and inflammation of the pancreas.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleThe test may also be done for the following conditions:
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Chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is swelling of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis is present when this problem does not heal or recurs and does not improve, gets worse...
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Pancreatic pseudocyst
Pancreatic pseudocyst
A pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid-filled sac in the abdomen that arises from the pancreas. It may also contain tissue from the pancreas, enzymes, a...
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Normal Results
The normal range is 40 to 140 units per liter (U/L) or 0.38 to 1.42 microkat/L (µkat/L).
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some laboratories use different measurement methods. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Increased blood amylase level may occur due to:
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Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is sudden swelling and inflammation of the pancreas.
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Cancer of the pancreas, ovaries, or lungs
Cancer of the pancreas
Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas.
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Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis is sudden swelling and irritation of the gallbladder. It causes severe belly pain.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Infection of the salivary glands (such as mumps) or a blockage of the salivary gland duct
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food...
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Intestinal blockage
Intestinal blockage
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.
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Macroamylasemia
Macroamylasemia
Macroamylasemia is the presence of an abnormal substance called macroamylase in the blood.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Pancreatic or bile duct blockage
Bile duct blockage
Bile duct obstruction is a blockage in the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
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Perforated ulcer
Perforated ulcer
A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or intestine. There are two types of peptic ulcers:Gastric ulcer -- occurs in...
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Tubal pregnancy (may have burst open)
Tubal pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (uterus).
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Viral hepatitis
Decreased amylase level may occur due to:
- Bone fracture
- Congestive heart failure
- Damage to the pancreas with pancreatic scarring
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Pregnancy
Risks
Slight risks from having blood drawn may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Crockett SD, Wani S, Gardner TB, Falck-Ytter Y, Barkun AN; American Gastroenterological Association Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee. American Gastroenterological Association Institute guideline on initial management of acute pancreatitis. Gastroenterology. 2018;154(4):1096-1101. PMID: 29409760 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29409760/.
Forsmark CE. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 135.
Siddiqi HA, Rabinowitz S, Axiotis CA. Laboratory diagnosis of gastrointestinal and pancreatic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.
Vege SS. Acute pancreatitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 58.
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Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
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Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Review Date: 2/28/2023
Reviewed By: Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.