Amylasep3cfrserpl
The amylase test measures the level of amylase enzyme in your blood to help diagnose conditions affecting the pancreas.
{"Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas","This test helps diagnose pancreatitis and other pancreatic disorders","Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm for this test","Results are usually available within a few hours to a day","Elevated levels may indicate pancreatic inflammation or other conditions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15022-7
- Short code
- Amylase P3 CFr SerPl
- Synonyms
- Amylase P3 CFr SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood. Amylase is an enzyme (a protein that speeds up chemical reactions) that helps your body break down carbohydrates and starches into sugar. There are two main types of amylase measured: pancreatic amylase (P3) and total amylase. The pancreatic amylase (P3) specifically comes from the pancreas, while total amylase includes both pancreatic and salivary gland amylase.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order an amylase test if you have symptoms of a pancreatic problem, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, or nausea. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor conditions like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), pancreatic cancer, and other disorders affecting the pancreas. The test may also be ordered if your doctor suspects kidney disease, as amylase is normally cleared from the blood by the kidneys.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. You may feel a brief pinch or stinging sensation. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You typically do not need to fast before this test, but follow any specific instructions your doctor provides.
Understanding your results
Normal amylase levels vary slightly between laboratories. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health and other test results. Both high and low amylase levels can indicate health problems that may require further investigation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the amylase test?
How long does it take to get results?
What is the difference between amylase and lipase?
Can amylase levels be high without pancreatitis?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - AmylaseSource
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy