Amylase Test: What It Is, Why It's Done, and What Your Results Mean
An amylase test measures the level of amylase enzyme in your blood to help diagnose pancreatic disorders.
{"Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands","High blood amylase levels often indicate pancreatic inflammation or damage","The test helps diagnose conditions like pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic insufficiency","Normal amylase levels vary by laboratory; your doctor will interpret your results","The test requires a simple blood draw and fasting may be recommended"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72571-3
- Short code
- Amylase P CFr.DF SerPl
- Synonyms
- Amylase P CFr.DF 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 an Amylase Test?
An amylase blood test measures the amount of amylase enzyme in your bloodstream. Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas (pancreatic amylase) and salivary glands (salivary amylase). This enzyme helps break down carbohydrates and starches from food into simple sugars that your body can absorb.
Why Is This Test Performed?
Your healthcare provider may order an amylase test to evaluate how well your pancreas is functioning. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), pancreatic cancer, or pancreatic duct obstruction. The test may also be ordered if you have symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or fever.
How Is the Test Done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood is collected into a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. You may be asked to fast (not eat) for 8-12 hours before the test. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding preparation. The actual blood draw only takes a few minutes.
Understanding Your Amylase Test Results: What Normal, High, and Low Levels May Indicate About Your Health
Amylase levels are typically reported in units per liter (U/L). Normal ranges vary between different laboratories, but generally, normal serum amylase levels range from 30 to 110 U/L. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your specific situation, medical history, and other test results. A single test result may not provide complete information, so your doctor may order additional tests, such as lipase (another pancreatic enzyme) or imaging studies, for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated amylase levels (hyperamylasemia) may indicate acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic duct obstruction, gallbladder disease, kidney disease, or perforated ulcer. Markedly high levels (more than 5 times the upper limit of normal) are strongly suggestive of acute pancreatitis. Low amylase levels (hypoamylasemia) may be seen in chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or severe liver disease. The amylase test is often ordered together with a lipase test for better accuracy in diagnosing pancreatic disorders.
Frequently asked questions
Does the amylase test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before the test?
Can I resume normal activities after the test?
What happens if my amylase levels are abnormal?
Sources
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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