Amylase Test

An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine. Amylase is an enzyme, or special protein, that helps you digest food.

What is a Amylase Test ?

An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine. Amylase is an enzyme, or special protein, that helps you digest food. Most of your amylase is made in the pancreas and salivary glands. A small amount of amylase in your blood and urine is normal. A larger or smaller amount may mean that you have a disorder of the pancreas, an infection, alcoholism, or another medical condition.

Why Get Tested?

Primarily to diagnose and monitor acute pancreatitis; also sometimes to diagnose and monitor chronic pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases

When To Get Tested?

When you have symptoms of a pancreatic disorder, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, or nausea.

Sample Required?

A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. Sometimes a random urine sample, a 24-hour urine sample, or peritoneal fluid is collected.

Most Common Questions

Find answers to common questions about patient lab test results. For additional help, contact our Health Information Management Services department.

How is the test used?

The blood amylase test is used to help diagnose and monitor acute pancreatitis. It may also be used to diagnose and monitor chronic pancreatitis and other disorders that may involve the pancreas. The blood amylase test may be used along with a lipase test to detect pancreatic diseases. That means an elevated amylase level may indicate a problem, but the cause may not be related to the pancreas. The lipase test, on the other hand, is more specific than amylase for diseases of the pancreas, particularly for acute pancreatitis.

When is it ordered?
What does the test result mean?
Is there anything else I should know?
Do elevated amylase levels always mean that I have a pancreatic condition?
What will laboratory testing cost me?
Do I need an appointment for Lab tests?
What do I need to bring when I come for the testing?

TIME TO GET STARTED

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