Serum or Plasma Amylase Concentration (Electrochemical or Immunoassay Method)
This test measures the amount of amylase, an enzyme produced by your salivary glands and pancreas, in your blood or plasma. Amylase helps break down carbohydrates in your digestive system.
["Amylase helps identify potential pancreatic or salivary gland issues by detecting elevated enzyme levels in your blood or plasma."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10060-2
- Short code
- S' wave Amp L-AVR
- Synonyms
- S' wave Amp L-AVR
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ekg
- 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 affecting your pancreas, such as pancreatitis, or to evaluate salivary gland disorders. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like cystic fibrosis or certain types of tumors.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if it involves a blood draw, but this depends on your specific situation. Always follow your provider’s instructions.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using either electrochemical or immunoassay methods to measure amylase levels.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your medical history and symptoms. Elevated levels may suggest pancreatic or salivary gland issues, while very low levels might indicate rare conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated amylase levels can signal acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, or blockages in the pancreatic duct. Chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or salivary gland disorders may also be associated with abnormal results. Low levels are less common but could relate to severe pancreatic disease or certain medications.
Short name
Amylase Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes amylase levels to be too high?
What causes amylase levels to be too low?
Can diet or medications affect amylase test results?
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