Amylase Test

Amylase is a special protein or enzyme which is produced by your pancreas and salivary glands. It helps in the digestion of carbohydrates. The salivary glands secrete a small amount of amylase degradation, the complex carbohydrate to a simple one like glucose in the mouth. Typically, the pancreas produces the amylase before being released into the duodenal part of the small intestine.

The enzyme amylase is categorized into three parts denoted as alpha, beta and gamma.

Alpha-amylase: An alpha-amylase is called ptyalin which is produced by salivary glands. It is mixed with food in the mouth and acts on starch and carbohydrates. The action of ptyalin is continued for several hours in the stomach. The pH of alpha-amylase is 6.7-7.0.

Beta-amylase: it is generally present in yeast, moulds, bacteria and plants, especially in the seeds. These are the prominent factors of a mixture called diastase, used to remove starchy sizing agents from essences and conversion of cereal grains into fermentable sugars. Beta-amylase has a leading pH of 4.0-5.0.

Gamma-amylase: These enzymes are important for breaking down specific types of glycosides under acidic conditions. Gamma-amylase has an optimum pH of 3.0.

There are two forms of amylase present in the body.

P-amylase: It is a form of amylase made mainly in the pancreas. It can be increased in the blood when found inflamed or diseased pancreas.

S-amylase: It is a form of amylase made mainly by the salivary gland. It can be increased in the blood when found inflamed or diseased salivary glands.

An amylase blood test can determine a disease or injury to the pancreas by measuring the amount of amylase in the body.

A small amount of amylase in the blood is normal, but an increase and decrease in blood amylase level can mean that you are suffering from an infection of the pancreas, a disorder of the pancreas or another medical condition related to the pancreas.

Symptoms of amylase abnormalities include,

• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Back pain
• Diarrhoea
• Unexplained weight loss

Amylase blood levels can rise due to its increased secretion into the blood or decreased elimination by the kidneys or due to both reasons.

A high level of blood amylase is commonly seen in acute pancreatitis, in which amylase levels can rise rapidly in 6 to 48 hours. Higher levels for more extended periods can cause other complications.

As per studies, 19.2% of people have abnormal levels of blood amylase test. The most common disorder of pancreatic amylase abnormalities is acute pancreatitis, with a prevalence of 59.8%.

Other names of Amylase test

• Serum amylase

• Urine amylase

• Amy test

What does the amylase test measure and for whom is it prescribed?

The amylase test generally measures the amount of amylase in the blood.

A disorder affecting the pancreas, if levels of amylase are too low or too high, can cause symptoms like:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
• Increase in pulse( tachycardia)
• Mild to severe abdominal pain
• Steatorrhea, loose, fatty and foul-smelling stools

The amylase test can be prescribed to persons who are/have:

• Gallstones
• High consumption of alcohol
• Having an abdominal surgery
• Obese
• Trauma
• High calcium levels in the blood
• Overactive parathyroid glands
• High levels of triglycerides in the blood
• Suffering from frequent infections
• Depression or stress
• At the risk of pancreatic disorders

Upon the diagnosis of a pancreatic disorder, the physician or gastroenterologist will initiate treatment. Moreover, regular testing every three months is required for monitoring and adjusting the dosage.

It is important to get the test conducted within a week of developing symptoms as the increase in amylase levels will last only for 48 hours to a few days after pancreas damage, after which they will return to normal.

You may be prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Tylenol such as naproxen sodium or ibuprofen if your blood has a high level of amylase.

For the amylase tests a blood sample is required. 

Test Preparation

The amylase test is a simple test done by a blood sample. This test does not require any preparation.

 The lab technician/ phlebotomist may draw blood from one of the forearm veins. The procedure usually takes 5-10 minutes.

What are the parameters included in the test?

The amylase test is usually used to measure the level of amylase in the blood. It helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body. There are three forms of amylase: alpha-amylase, beta-amylase and gamma-amylase.

The values of the amylase test give an idea about the increase or decrease of amylase levels in the blood. If the value is on the higher side or lower side, it indicates a pancreatic disorder.

How frequently should you take this test?

A blood amylase test measures the amount of amylase in the blood, helping you digest starch and carbohydrates.

It is recommended to repeat the amylase test every three months after the treatment of abnormal amylase levels in the blood. The test can be annual only if no medication or treatment is prescribed or if the previous amylase test was normal.

The treatment process should also begin by finding an abnormal level of amylase in the blood.

Pancreatitis, Pancreatic cancer, Liver disease

The amylase normal range in the blood is measured in units per litre (U/L).

For an average adult- 30-115 units per litre (U/L)

The normal value range may vary slightly among different laboratories. Several laboratories use different methods for the measurements.

Amylase helps in the digestion of starch and carbohydrates. It converts complex carbohydrates into a simple form.

High or low levels can affect several body parts, mainly the pancreas.

Issues caused by High levels of Amylase Test

• Acute or chronic pancreatitis: This type of pancreatic disorder in which inflammation of the pancreas occurred leads to high amylase levels. It generally comes unexpectedly and lasts very long.

• Cholecystitis: It is an inflammation of the gall bladder usually caused by gallstones. Gallstones are hard deposits of digestive fluids that can cause blockages. Sometimes it can be caused by tumours.

• Macroamylase: Macroamylase is a kind of amylase attached to protein. Macroamylasemia happens when it is present in the blood.
• Gastroenteritis: It refers to inflammation of the digestive system caused by bacteria or a virus. It can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, etc. The level of Amylase is directly correlated with the severity of gastroenteritis as the localization of bacteria by Amylase increases the risk of infection in the bloodstream and lymph system.

• Peptic ulcers: Ulcers or sores generally developed in the lining of the stomach or intestine become inflamed. An extended ulcer may be considered a medical condition.

Issues caused by Low levels of Amylase Test

• Preeclampsia

• Kidney disease