Amylase

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. Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory for this test. If you are having the Amylase test to assess pancreatic health, you may be asked to avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to the test, as alcohol consumption can elevate amylase levels and interfere with accurate results.

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.