Amylase Test

The Amylase test is a simple blood test that measures the level of the enzyme amylase in the blood. Amylase is produced mainly by the pancreas and salivary glands, and it helps the body digest carbohydrates. Typically, the body has a small amount of amylase present in both blood and urine. However, changes in amylase levels are reflected in the blood before they appear in urine, which means that a urine amylase test may be conducted alongside or after a blood amylase test. These tests help to diagnose or monitor treatment for other conditions that may influence amylase levels, including pancreatic disorders, salivary gland disorders, and specific digestive issues. Additionally, if the amylase levels are too high or too low, it may indicate health conditions such as infections, eating disorders, or alcohol use disorders. Doctors may recommend this test if you have symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite to help diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms.

The Amylase test is primarily used to diagnose issues related to the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the pancreas. Elevations or reductions in amylase levels are detected in the bloodstream before they appear in urine, so a urine test may also be performed either alongside or after a blood test for amylase. Your doctor might recommend the Amylase test if you show signs of a pancreatic disorder. These signs may manifest suddenly or gradually and include: Discomfort in your upper abdomen that may radiate to your back or worsen after eating Decreased appetite Nausea and vomiting Fever Rapid heartbeat Yellow-coloured skin or eyes (jaundice) Fatty, foul-smelling stools Additionally, the Amylase test may be ordered to monitor existing conditions affecting the pancreas, including chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, eating disorders, cystic fibrosis, alcohol use disorder, or recovery from gallbladder surgery.

Understanding your report

What your results can mean — always review them with your doctor:

Amylase levels are expressed in units per litre (U/L), with a normal range of 30 to 110 U/L. When someone experiences acute pancreatitis, the level of amylase in the blood can rise significantly within 6 to 2 days after symptoms begin. However, it is crucial to understand that a higher amylase level does not necessarily indicate a more severe case of pancreatitis. In most situations, amylase levels will return to normal within 3 to 5 days. If these levels stay elevated for longer than this period, it could suggest more serious issues, such as pancreatic necrosis, which is the death of pancreatic tissue, or the development of a pseudocyst, a fluid-filled sac in the pancreas. A low amylase level may indicate a liver, kidney, or pancreas problem. It may also indicate pre-eclampsia (a type of blood pressure in pregnancy) or cystic fibrosis. High amylase levels, a condition referred to as hyperamylasaemia, can also result from issues unrelated to the pancreas. Some common causes include: Inflammation in the salivary glands Perforated peptic ulcers (holes in the stomach or intestinal lining) Intestinal obstruction (intestines are blocked) Infarction (tissue dies due to lack of blood flow) Aortic aneurysm (bulging in the aorta) Peritonitis (abdominal lining is inflamed) By understanding these test results and their implications, doctors can diagnose and manage various health issues related to the pancreas and other digestive organs.