Amylasescfrserpl
A blood test that measures the level of amylase enzyme, which helps digest carbohydrates and is produced by the salivary glands and pancreas.
{"Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates in your food","This test measures both salivary and pancreatic amylase in your blood","It helps diagnose conditions affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatitis","Abnormal levels may indicate problems with salivary glands or pancreas","The test requires a simple blood draw"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25313-8
- Short code
- Amylase S CFr SerPl
- Synonyms
- Amylase S 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 serum amylase test measures the amount of amylase enzyme in your blood. Amylase is produced mainly by two sources: the salivary glands (salivary amylase) and the pancreas (pancreatic amylase). This test typically measures total amylase, which includes both types. The enzyme plays a crucial role in breaking down starches and carbohydrates in the food you eat.
Why do I need this test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting a problem with your pancreas or salivary glands. These symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or fever. The test helps doctors diagnose conditions like acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, salivary gland infections, or other digestive disorders.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure only takes a few minutes and is generally well-tolerated. You may experience slight bruising or soreness at the needle site, but this usually resolves quickly.
What do the results mean?
Normal amylase levels vary slightly between laboratories. High levels of amylase in the blood may indicate acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, gallstones, or salivary gland inflammation. Low levels may suggest pancreatic insufficiency or chronic pancreatic disease. Your doctor will interpret your results along with other tests and your overall health condition.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Are there any risks associated with this test?
How long does it take to get results?
What other tests might be done with amylase?
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