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Amylase - urine

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 pancreas and the glands that make saliva.

Amylase may also be measured with a blood test.

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Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Amylase urine test

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How the Test is Performed

A urine sample is needed. The test may be performed using:

How to Prepare for the Test

Many medicines can interfere with test results.

How the Test will Feel

The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is sometimes done to help diagnose pancreatitis and other diseases that affect the pancreas.

Normal Results

The normal range is 2.6 to 21.2 international units per hour (IU/h).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

The example above shows the common measurement range for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An increased amount of amylase in the urine is called amylasuria. Increased urine amylase levels may be a sign of:

Decreased amylase levels may be due to:

Related Information

Enzyme
Acute pancreatitis
Pancreatic cancer
Acute cholecystitis
Ectopic pregnancy
Mumps
Alcohol use and safe drinking
Intestinal obstruction and Ileus
Bile duct obstruction
Peptic ulcer
Preeclampsia

References

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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Review Date: 8/20/2023  

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.

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