Salivary Amylase (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of amylase, an enzyme produced by your salivary glands and pancreas, in your saliva. Amylase helps break down carbohydrates in your mouth and early stages of digestion.
["Amylase levels can help diagnose conditions affecting saliva production or carbohydrate digestion."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34598-3
- Short code
- Sialate Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Sialate Ur Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- 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, unexplained weight loss, or digestive issues. It could also be used to check for conditions like salivary gland inflammation, salivary duct blockage, or certain metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a saliva sample, often collected by gently rubbing a cotton swab in your mouth for a few seconds. Avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum for at least 30 minutes before collecting the sample to ensure accurate results.
What Happens During the Test
The test involves collecting saliva using a swab or cup. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically ready within a few days.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Salivary amylase levels can vary based on health, diet, and other factors. Abnormally low levels might suggest salivary gland issues, while very high levels could indicate conditions like pancreatitis or certain infections.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Salivary amylase is important for diagnosing salivary gland disorders, such as sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary glands), salivary duct obstructions, or conditions affecting carbohydrate metabolism. It can also help identify systemic issues like diabetes or metabolic syndromes that may impact saliva production.
Short name
Salivary Amylase
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal salivary amylase level mean?
Can diet affect salivary amylase test results?
Is this test painful or uncomfortable?
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