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Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is produced mainly in the pancreas and the glands that make saliva. When the pancreas is diseased or inflamed, amylase releases into the blood.
A test can be done to measure the level of this enzyme in your blood.
Amylase may also be measured with a urine test. See amylase - urine.
How the test is performedBlood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm. This causes veins below the band to swell with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore blood flow. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is needed. However, you should avoid alcohol before the test. The health care provider may advise you to stop taking drugs that may affect the test. NEVER stop taking any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs that can increase amylase measurements include:
- Asparaginase
- Aspirin
- Birth Control pills
- Cholinergic medications
- Corticosteroids
- Indomethacin
- Loop and thiazide diuretics
- Methyldopa
- Opiates (codeine, morphine)
- Pentazocine
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test is most often used to diagnose or monitor diseases of the pancreas. It may also detect some digestive tract problems.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Normal ValuesThe normal range is 23 to 85 units per liter (U/L). Some laboratories give a range of 40 to 140 U/L.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanIncreased amylase levels may indicate:
- Acute pancreatitis
- Cancer of the pancreas, ovaries, or lungs
- Cholecystitis
- Gallbladder attack resulting from disease
- Infection of the salivary glands (such as mumps) or an obstruction
- Intestinal obstruction
- Macroamylasemia
- Pancreatic or bile duct obstruction
- Perforated ulcer
- Tubal pregnancy(may be ruptured)
- Viral gastroenteritis
Decreased amylase levels may indicate:
- Damage to the pancreas
- Kidney disease
- Pancreatic cancer
- Toxemia of pregnancy
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
ReferencesOwyang C. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 147.
What else can I help you with?
What color tubes are for blood collection for lipase and amylase?
The recommended color tubes for blood collection for lipase and amylase are usually light green or green tubes containing sodium heparin as an anticoagulant. These tubes help preserve enzyme activity in the collected blood sample.
Do you need to fast before a amylase blood test?
There is usually no need to fast before an amylase blood test. However, it is always best to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for any specific dietary or fasting requirements prior to the test for accurate results.
Is 137 blood amylase level too high?
A blood amylase level of 137 is within the normal range for most labs, which typically falls between 30 and 110 U/L. Elevated amylase levels can indicate pancreatitis or other pancreatic conditions, so it's important to discuss these results with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
What color tube is used for amylase testing?
A lavender or light purple tube is typically used for amylase testing. This color tube contains an anticoagulant called EDTA to prevent the blood from clotting.
Do you need to fast for lfts amylase lipase blood testing?
Fasting is not typically required for liver function tests (LFTs) or amylase and lipase blood tests. However, it's always best to follow your healthcare provider's instructions, as they may have specific requirements based on your individual health situation.
Why do serum amylase levels rise in acute pancreatitis?
In acute pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed and damaged, causing leakage of enzymes like amylase into the blood. This leads to an increase in serum amylase levels due to the release of pancreatic enzymes into the bloodstream.
What colour blood top bottle do you need for amylase bloods?
because
Which of these enzymes aids in coagulation of blood-pepsin rennin amylase or tryptase?
pepsin
Is amylase found in other parts of the digestive system?
Amylase is produced by the salivary glands and pancreas.In humans, amylase is found in saliva, blood, and urine. The majority of amylase is found in the mouth, this enzyme is the chemical digestion that breaks down starch into smaller saccharides.Under normal conditions only low levels are found in the blood and urine; higher levels are found if the pancreas or salivary glands become blocked or damaged. Therefore raised levels in the blood or urine can be indicators of pancreatic diseases (such as pancreatitis).
What percent of saliva is amylase?
Normal blood findings are 56 to 190 IU/L.
What color tubes are for blood collection for lipase and amylase?
The recommended color tubes for blood collection for lipase and amylase are usually light green or green tubes containing sodium heparin as an anticoagulant. These tubes help preserve enzyme activity in the collected blood sample.
Do you need to fast before a amylase blood test?
There is usually no need to fast before an amylase blood test. However, it is always best to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for any specific dietary or fasting requirements prior to the test for accurate results.
Is 137 blood amylase level too high?
A blood amylase level of 137 is within the normal range for most labs, which typically falls between 30 and 110 U/L. Elevated amylase levels can indicate pancreatitis or other pancreatic conditions, so it's important to discuss these results with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
What happened when amylase serum is 114?
An amylase serum level of 114 could indicate pancreatitis, a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. Elevated levels of amylase in the blood can be a sign of pancreatic injury or dysfunction. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and diagnosis.
Is ptylin an alpha amylase or beta amylase?
Ptyalin is an alpha-amylase. It is the alpha-amylase found in saliva
What is hyperamylasemia?
Hyperamylasemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated levels of amylase in the blood. Amylase is an enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands, playing a key role in carbohydrate digestion. Elevated amylase levels can indicate various conditions, including pancreatitis, salivary gland disorders, or gastrointestinal obstruction. Diagnosis often involves blood tests and can require further investigation to determine the underlying cause.
What color tube is used for amylase testing?
A lavender or light purple tube is typically used for amylase testing. This color tube contains an anticoagulant called EDTA to prevent the blood from clotting.
