Amylase
Understanding Amylase
What is Amylase?
An Amylase test is used to measure the amount of enzyme amylase that is made by the pancreas. This test can be used to monitor your pancreatic health by detecting pancreatitis (an inflammation in the pancreas) and other pancreas-related diseases, such as blockage in pancreatic ducts.
Amylase is an enzyme, a type of protein, that helps your body break down carbohydrates. The majority of the amylase in your body is made by the pancreas and salivary glands; however, in small amounts, it is also produced by the small intestine, ovaries, placenta, liver, and fallopian tubes. The pancreas releases amylase through the pancreatic duct into the small intestine where it helps break down dietary carbohydrates.
Amylase is usually present in the blood in small quantities, but when the pancreatic cells are injured, they release more than the optimum amounts of amylase in the blood. Therefore, evaluating the amylase levels helps to check how well your pancreas is working. An increased amylase level can be seen in the case of pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, when the pancreatic duct is blocked by a gallstone, or in rare cases, due to a pancreatic tumor. Similarly, a decreased amount of amylase also indicates health conditions such as liver disorder or cystic fibrosis.
You may need an Amylase test if you experience symptoms of pancreatic disorders, such as pain in the upper abdomen that may go to the back, tenderness in the abdomen, nausea, pale stool, a full or bloated feeling, jaundice or the yellowing of the eyes, rapid pulse or heartbeat, and fever. Your doctor may also advise this test if you are already diagnosed with pancreatitis and are being treated to check how well the treatment is working. An amylase test is also a crucial marker for detecting ectopic pregnancy and acute pancreatitis in pregnant women. No special preparation is needed for an amylase test. You can eat or drink normally as per your daily routine.
Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate an overall treatment plan.
What is Amylase used for?
An Amylase test can be done:
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To diagnose acute and chronic pancreatitis.
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To diagnose pancreatic cysts, pancreatic pseudocysts, and pancreatic abscesses.
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To determine the blockage of pancreatic ducts.
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To diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive system, like peptic ulcers, infections, appendicitis, etc.
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To diagnose some types of tumors, like pancreatic cancer.
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To monitor the treatment of pancreatic diseases.
What does Amylase measure?
An Amylase test determines the amount of amylase enzyme in your blood. This enzyme helps in the breakdown of complex dietary carbohydrates into simple carbohydrates for absorption. The digestion of carbohydrates begins in the mouth since the amylase is secreted by the salivary glands too. However, the majority of the amylase is produced by the pancreas and secreted into the duodenum of the small intestine. The amount of amylase in the blood rises either due to its increased secretion into the blood or decreased elimination by the kidneys. Higher levels of amylase for longer periods indicate pancreatic complications and need medical intervention.
Interpreting Amylase results
Interpretations
Normal Range:
· Adults up to age 60 yrs: 25-125 units per litre (U/L)
· Adults older than age 60 yrs: 24-151 U/L