Salivary Amylase Mass Concentration (Plasma)
This test measures the amount of salivary amylase, an enzyme produced by salivary glands and the pancreas, in your plasma. Salivary amylase helps break down carbohydrates in the mouth and early stages of digestion.
["Salivary amylase levels can help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting digestion or salivary gland function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2943-9
- Short code
- Sialate Plas-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Sialate Plas-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent mouth dryness, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or recurrent infections in the mouth or throat. It may also be used to evaluate conditions such as salivary gland inflammation, tumors, or pancreatic disorders that can indirectly affect salivary enzyme production.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test, but this depends on your healthcare provider’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re currently taking, as some may affect results.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will collect a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood is then separated into plasma for testing. The salivary amylase enzyme is measured using a specialized laboratory technique to determine its concentration.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are compared to a reference range, but exact values can vary by lab. Elevated levels may suggest conditions like pancreatitis, salivary gland tumors, or certain infections. Lower levels could indicate chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or other digestive disorders. Always discuss your results with your provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Salivary amylase levels in plasma can provide clues about digestive health, salivary gland function, or underlying systemic conditions. For example, persistently low levels may indicate chronic pancreatic or salivary gland disease, while high levels could signal acute pancreatitis or other inflammatory processes. This test is less commonly used than pancreatic amylase but can be valuable in specific clinical scenarios.
Short name
Salivary Amylase (Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What Does an Abnormal Result Mean?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Can Diet or Medications Affect 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