Pancreatic Amylase (Serum)
This test measures the amount of amylase, an enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas, in your blood. Amylase helps break down carbohydrates in the digestive system.
["Amylase levels can help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting digestion and pancreas health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35314-4
- Short code
- Lipase sp4 p sincalide Fld-cCnc
- Synonyms
- Lipase sp4 p sincalide Fld-cCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Critical range
- — – 1000 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), pancreatic cancer, or other digestive issues. It can also help identify problems with the salivary glands or stomach.
What Does a High Level Mean?
Elevated amylase levels often signal acute pancreatitis or other conditions causing pancreatic or salivary gland swelling. However, other factors like certain medications or infections may also raise levels.
What Does a Low Level Mean?
Low amylase levels are less common but may occur with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or severe dehydration. Your provider will consider your symptoms and other test results to interpret results.
How Is This Test Done?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed for amylase concentration using an enzymatic method.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Pancreatic Amylase plays a key role in detecting acute pancreatitis, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt attention. Elevated levels can also suggest other gastrointestinal or salivary gland disorders. Chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer may sometimes present with lower levels, though this is less common. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider, as they will consider your overall health and symptoms for diagnosis.
Short name
Pancreatic Amylase
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can diet or medications affect my amylase levels?
What should I do if I have unexplained abdominal pain or nausea?
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