Serum Salivary Alpha-Amylase Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of alpha-amylase, an enzyme that helps break down starches in your saliva, which can help assess digestive function or salivary gland health.
["Alpha-amylase levels in saliva may indicate digestive or gland-related issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72386-6
- Short code
- EDDP Sal Ql Cfm
- Synonyms
- EDDP Sal Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 4
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- 84153
- SNOMED
- 39392002
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or concerns about salivary gland disorders. It can also be part of evaluating conditions affecting digestion or saliva production.
What Does a Result Mean?
Salivary alpha-amylase levels can vary based on hydration, diet, and health conditions. Abnormal results may signal issues like salivary gland inflammation, certain digestive disorders, or metabolic conditions.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A small sample of saliva is collected, usually by gently rolling the tongue or using a swab. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a high-performance liquid chromatography (hplc) method to measure enzyme concentration.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test may help diagnose or monitor conditions such as sialadenitis (salivary gland inflammation), Sjogren’s syndrome, or other salivary gland disorders. It can also support evaluation of digestive enzyme deficiencies.
Reference range
Normal: <4.0 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation required. For PSA, avoid sexual activity for 24-48 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Alpha-amylase in saliva is primarily used to assess salivary gland function and potential digestive issues. Elevated levels may indicate acute inflammation or infection, while persistently low levels could suggest chronic salivary gland dysfunction or metabolic disorders.
Short name
Alpha-Amylase in Saliva
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal salivary alpha-amylase levels?
How soon will I get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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