Amylases2serplccnc
The amylase test measures the level of an enzyme in your blood that helps digest carbohydrates. It is primarily used to diagnose and monitor pancreatic disorders.
{"Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands","High levels may indicate pancreatitis, pancreatic damage, or other conditions","The test requires a simple blood draw, usually after fasting","Results help doctors diagnose abdominal pain causes and monitor treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1807-7
- Short code
- Amylase S2 SerPl-cCnc
- Synonyms
- Amylase S2 SerPl-cCnc
- 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 enzyme in your blood. Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas (pancreatic amylase) and salivary glands (salivary amylase). It helps break down carbohydrates and starches into sugars in your body.
Why is it performed?
Your doctor may order an amylase test to: diagnose pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis), evaluate persistent abdominal pain, monitor pancreatic disease progression or treatment response, check for pancreatic duct obstruction, and assess conditions affecting the salivary glands.
How to prepare
You may need to fast (not eat) for 8-12 hours before the test. Inform your doctor about all medications you take, as some drugs can affect amylase levels. Alcohol consumption should be avoided for 24 hours before testing.
What to expect
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The procedure takes only a few minutes. You may feel slight pain or bruising at the injection site, but serious complications are rare.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated amylase levels (>100 U/L typically) may indicate acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic duct obstruction, pancreatic cancer, gallstones, kidney disease, or salivary gland inflammation. Markedly high levels (more than 3 times normal) are strongly suggestive of acute pancreatitis.
Low amylase levels may be seen in pancreatic insufficiency, severe liver disease, cystic fibrosis, or malnutrition. However, low values are less commonly clinically significant than elevated levels.
The test is often ordered alongside lipase (another pancreatic enzyme) for more accurate diagnosis of pancreatic conditions. Interpretation should always be done by your healthcare provider considering your symptoms and other test results.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Does the test diagnose pancreatic cancer?
Can I take my regular medications before the test?
Is the test painful?
What is the difference between amylase and lipase?
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