What is an amylase test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is an amylase test used for?

Amylase blood test and amylase urine test are used for two reasons:

• It is used to check for pancreatic disorders and infections like pancreatitis. It can also be used to check for the effects of alcoholism and health issues related to the salivary gland.
• It is done as a routine checkup to monitor amylase levels in patients already diagnosed with some sort of pancreatic disorder or issues.

Understanding the test results of the amylase test

Both low and high amylase levels are not good indications for your health. Both indicate pancreatic health issues. 

High amylase levels in blood and urine can cause diseases like:

• Chronic and acute pancreatitis
• Macroamylasemia
• Cholecystitis
• Gastroenteritis 
• Ectopic pregnancy 
• Peptic ulcers 

Low amylase levels in blood and urine indicate:

• Kidney failure
• Kidney-related disease
• Pancreatic cancer
• Cystic fibrosis
• Liver related issues
• Preeclampsia: a pregnancy-related complication

Why do I need an amylase test?

You may need an amylase test to either monitor your existing pancreatic condition or if you are experiencing the following symptoms: 

• Chronic abdominal pain
• Vomiting and nausea
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

What happens during an amylase test?

You will be asked to give your blood and urine samples. To collect blood samples, the healthcare professional will inject a needle attached to an empty vial into your arm to collect the blood. For urine samples, you first need to clean your genitals with a cleansing pad provided by the healthcare professional. Then, collect one to two ounces of urine in an empty container given to you, as instructed by the professional.

You might need to submit multiple urine samples in a day to get clear, better, and more accurate diagnostic results. 

What is the normal amylase level?

The normal amylase level in the blood needs to be within 30 to 110 units per liter (U/L). Any deviation from the normal range can be dangerous for your pancreas. 

Is high amylase bad?

Yes, a high amylase level may be a cause of concern. A high level of amylase indicates blockages, injuries in the pancreatic ducts, and other pancreatic disorders like macroamylasemia, cholecystitis, gastroenteritis, etc.

What causes high amylase levels?

High amylase levels, also called hyperamylasemia, is caused due to the following reasons:

• Tumors
• Gall bladder infections
• Kidney failure 
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP), a procedure that diagnoses problems in the pancreatic duct or biliary systems

Can anxiety increase amylase?

Yes, during anxiety, the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and salivary amylase go up. In fact, salivary amylase shoots up more than cortisol itself in a period of anxiety and stress, making it a better indicator of stress. Amylase also serves as an index of soothing and relaxation in a person.

How can I prepare myself for an amylase test?

There is no special preparation required to get ready for the amylase test if a test has been prescribed to you. You simply need to provide your blood and urine samples to the concerned pathological labs and wait for the reports. 

How long does it take for amylase levels to return to normal?

Depending upon the condition, amylase levels can remain high or low for up to 5 days. However, the concentration can generally get normalized within 24 hours.

If your doctor has prescribed an amylase test, you are just a click away. Book an appointment or get a free second opinion at Yashoda Hospitals today!