Test Details
Amylase
Amylase is an enzyme that helps you digest carbohydrates. Most of the amylase in your body is made by your pancreas and salivary glands.
Methodology
Enzymatic colorimetric assay
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
Green Top Tube
(Lithium Heparin plasma separator tube with gel)
Alternate Specimen
None
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
- 8 days at 2-8°C.
Lab Values
Amylase
- Low: <28 U/L
- Normal: 28 – 100 U/L
- High: >100 U/L
References:
- Junge W, Wortmann W, Wilke B, et al. Development and evaluation of assays for the determination of total and pancreatic amylase at 37°C according to the principle recommended by the IFCC. Clin Biochem 2001; 34:607-615.
- Lorentz K. Approved recommendation on IFCC methods for the measurement of catalytic concentration of enzymes. Part 9. IFCC. Method for α-Amylase. (1,4-α-D-Glucan 4-Glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.1). Clin Chem Lab Med 1998; 36:185-203.
- Kurrle-Weitenhiller A, Hölzel W, Engel D, et al. Method for the determination of total and pancreatic α-amylase based on 100 % cleavage of the protected substrate ethylidene-4- nitrophenylmaltoheptaoside. Clin Chem 1996;42(S6):98-105.
Clinical Significance
Amylase
Amylases are made in the pancreas and salivary glands and catalyze the hydrolytic degradation of starch to sugars by cleaving 1,4 α glucosidic bonds resulting in disaccharides and trisaccharides which are converted by other enzymes to glucose to supply the body with energy. Amylases can be found in serum, saliva, tears, sweat, human milk, amniotic fluid, the lungs, the testes and the epithelium of the fallopian tube.
In clinical practice, α amylase determinations are of considerable importance in pancreatic diagnostics. They are mainly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of acute pancreatitis with elevated values being diagnostic. Pancreatitis may be due to obstruction of the pancreatic duct by gallstones in the ampulla of Vater, by excess alcohol intake, by marked hypertriglyceridemia (fasting value >1,000 mg/dL), and/or by abdominal trauma causing damage to the pancreas. Elevated serum amylase levels do not only occur with acute pancreatitis or in the inflammatory phase of chronic pancreatitis, but also in renal failure (reduced glomerular filtration), tumors of the lungs or ovaries, pulmonary inflammation, diseases of the salivary gland, diabetic ketoacidosis, cerebral trauma, and with surgical interventions. High values may also be seen with perforated peptic ulcer, torsion of an ovarian cyst, strangulation, ileus, mesenteric ischemia, and mumps.
Treatment Options
Amylase
It is important to identify and treat the underlying causes of pancreatitis such as gallstones, excess alcohol intake, or marked hypertriglyceridemia (fasting values >1000 mg/dL).
