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Amylase

Pancreas Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Pancreas

Overview

Amylase is an enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas and the salivary glands that helps digest carbohydrates by breaking starch into simpler sugars. The serum amylase test measures the amount of amylase circulating in the blood and is used primarily to evaluate suspected pancreatic injury or inflammation (for example, acute or chronic pancreatitis). It can also rise with salivary gland disease, intestinal obstruction, or perforation. Symptoms that commonly prompt testing include severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained abdominal tenderness. Normal values vary by lab and method; levels may be slightly higher in children and can be falsely elevated in renal impairment (reduced clearance). Gender differences are minimal.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Which profile is the test included in: Pancreas (pancreatic enzyme) profile.
What symptoms may indicate a need for this test: sudden severe upper abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, abdominal distension, or unexplained digestive symptoms.
What conditions it may diagnose/monitor: acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis (monitoring), salivary gland inflammation, bowel obstruction, or pancreatic trauma.
What could be the reasons for abnormal levels: pancreatic inflammation/injury, salivary gland disease, intestinal perforation, renal failure, macroamylasemia, or certain drugs.
Biological meaning of abnormal values: high values usually indicate increased release or reduced clearance of amylase; low values may reflect reduced pancreatic enzyme production.
What behaviors/lifestyle can cause abnormal values: heavy alcohol use, recent binge drinking, medications, or gallstone disease related behaviors.
What family history may indicate a need for the test: family history of hereditary pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or recurrent pancreatic disease.

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Understanding Test Results

Mild elevation (up to ~2–3× upper limit, e.g., ~111–300 U/L): may occur with early/less severe pancreatitis, salivary gland inflammation (mumps), bowel obstruction, peptic ulcer perforation, renal impairment (reduced excretion), or after abdominal trauma.
Correlate clinically and with lipase.
Marked elevation (>3× upper limit, commonly >300 U/L): raises strong suspicion for acute pancreatitis, especially when accompanied by typical abdominal pain and elevated lipase; very high values (several hundred to >1,000 U/L) frequently indicate pancreatic origin but are not required for diagnosis.
Normal values with symptoms: a normal amylase does not exclude pancreatitis—lipase is more specific and may be preferred.
Low values (<30 U/L): may indicate chronic pancreatitis with loss of exocrine function, cystic fibrosis, or extensive pancreatic surgery; clinically relevant when digestive insufficiency is suspected.
Special considerations: macroamylasemia (amylase bound to immunoglobulin) causes persistent mild elevations in serum but low urine amylase and is benign; renal failure can cause elevated serum amylase due to decreased clearance.
Interpretation should always be combined with clinical findings and, when possible, serum lipase and imaging.

Normal Range

30-110 U/L

FAQs

Q: What does it mean if amylase is high?

A: A high amylase level usually signals pancreatic inflammation or injury—most commonly acute pancreatitis—but can also reflect gallstones, pancreatic or salivary gland disease, gastrointestinal perforation/obstruction, decreased kidney clearance, certain medications, or benign macroamylasemia. Interpretation depends on symptoms, timing and other tests (lipase, imaging, kidney function). Elevated amylase warrants clinical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and guide treatment.

Q: What is amylase and its function?

A: Amylase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates (starch and glycogen) into smaller sugars (maltose, dextrins). It’s produced mainly by salivary glands (salivary amylase) and the pancreas (pancreatic amylase), starting starch digestion in the mouth and continuing in the small intestine. Blood or urine amylase levels help assess pancreatic function and detect pancreatitis.

Q: What happens if your amylase is low?

A: Low amylase suggests reduced pancreatic (or salivary) enzyme production, seen in chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or after pancreatic surgery. Consequences can include impaired starch digestion, bloating, gas, steatorrhea, nutrient malabsorption and weight loss. It usually prompts further tests and may require pancreatic enzyme replacement, dietary changes and treating the underlying condition. Discuss results with your clinician.

Q: Is amylase in food bad for you?

A: Amylase in food is not bad for you; it’s a natural enzyme that helps break down starch into sugars, aiding digestion. It’s present in saliva, the pancreas, and some foods or additives. Most people tolerate it well; rare allergic or respiratory reactions can occur with industrial enzyme exposure. If you have pancreatic disease or allergies, consult a healthcare professional before using enzyme supplements.

Q: What is the treatment for high amylase?

A: Treatment targets the underlying cause. For acute pancreatitis: hospitalization, IV fluids, pain control, bowel rest (NPO), antiemetics, nutritional support and interventions for complications (ERCP for biliary obstruction, surgery or drainage if necrosis/infection). Chronic pancreatitis: alcohol cessation, pancreatic enzyme replacement, pain management and nutritional support. Non‑pancreatic causes are treated specifically; benign macroamylasemia usually needs no treatment.

Q: Can stress increase amylase?

A: Yes. Acute psychological or physical stress can raise amylase (especially salivary amylase) through sympathetic activation of salivary and pancreatic glands. Mild, transient increases are common during stress; very high levels more likely indicate pancreatic disease and need evaluation. If amylase is unexpectedly high or you have abdominal pain, fever, or ongoing symptoms, see a clinician for further testing.