Amylase Test
Reviewed
Also called: Amy test, serum amylase, urine amylase
Measures amylase enzyme levels to help diagnose or monitor pancreatic or salivary gland disorders.
Specimen: Blood, urine, or peritoneal fluid
Why this test may be ordered
- To diagnose pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders.
- To monitor chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, or other conditions affecting amylase levels.
Preparation and collection
Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the test. For a blood test, you may need to fast for 2 hours. Inform your provider about all medicines you take.
Blood sample from a vein, clean catch urine sample (or 24-hour urine collection), or peritoneal fluid sample via needle.
Blood test: slight pain or bruising at needle site. Urine test: no significant physical risks. Peritoneal fluid test: small risk of dizziness, bowel or bladder damage, bleeding, or infection.
Understanding results
Amylase levels are measured in blood, urine, or peritoneal fluid. Results are typically available within a few days. Your provider will interpret the results based on your overall health.
- High amylase level: May indicate acute pancreatitis, a blocked pancreatic duct, or a pancreatic tumor. High levels in peritoneal fluid may indicate acute pancreatitis, blocked intestine, or reduced blood flow to the intestines. Limitation: High levels may also occur in other conditions; this result alone is not diagnostic. Next step: Your provider may order imaging or a lipase test to confirm the cause.
- Low amylase level: May indicate chronic pancreatitis, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, liver disease, or pre-eclampsia (in pregnancy). Limitation: Low levels are uncommon; this result alone is not diagnostic. Next step: Your provider may check kidney function, liver function, or test for cystic fibrosis.
- Blood test: slight pain or bruising at needle site.
- Urine test: no significant physical risks.
- Peritoneal fluid test: small risk of bowel or bladder damage, bleeding, or infection.
- False positives or negatives are possible; results should be interpreted in context with symptoms and other tests.
What to do next
Your healthcare provider will explain what your results mean and may recommend follow-up tests, such as a lipase test.
- What do my amylase levels indicate about my pancreas or salivary glands?
- Do I need additional tests, like a lipase test?
- What follow-up care or monitoring is needed?