Serum Amylase

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

To diagnose pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases

When this test is required

An amylase test may be requested if you show symptoms of a pancreatic disorder, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, or nausea. Urine amylase may be requested with or following a blood amylase test. One or both may also be requested when a doctor wants to monitor a patient to find out whether treatment is working and whether amylase levels are increasing or decreasing.

What the Test Detects

Preparation for the Test

No test preparation is needed

Sample Requirements

A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm. Very rarely a urine sample may be required.

Additional Notes

In acute pancreatitis, elevated amylase concentrations usually parallel levels of another enzyme called lipase. Either amylase or lipase can be requested in order to help diagnose acute pancreatitis, but amylase is the most frequently used test.Chronic (long-term) pancreatitis is often associated with alcoholism. It may also be caused by trauma to the pancreas or associated with genetic abnormalities such as cystic fibrosis. Amylase concentrations may be moderately elevated with chronic pancreatitis or may be decreased when the cells that produce amylase in the pancreas become damaged or destroyed.

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