Amylase

What it measures

Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands. Serum amylase is used alongside lipase to diagnose acute pancreatitis.

Specimen and preparation

• Specimen: Serum or lithium-heparin plasma
• Tube: Gold top

Reference range

Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.

Causes of high values

• Acute pancreatitis (typically >3× upper limit)
• Salivary gland disease (mumps)
• Bowel perforation or obstruction
• Ruptured ectopic pregnancy
• Macroamylasaemia
• Kidney failure

Causes of low values

• Chronic pancreatitis with pancreatic loss
• Cystic fibrosis

Method

Enzymatic colorimetric (blocked p-nitrophenyl maltoheptaoside, IFCC)

Good to know

Amylase returns to normal within 3–5 days, faster than lipase. Very high triglycerides may mask the rise.

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