Amylase Blood Tests
What is an Amylase Blood Test?
An amylase blood test measures the concentration of the amylase enzyme in your bloodstream. It’s often used to diagnose or monitor pancreatic diseases, such as pancreatitis, and other digestive disorders.
Normal Range for Amylase Test
The normal range for an amylase blood test typically falls between 30 to 110 units per liter (U/L), but this range can slightly vary depending on the laboratory and the methods used.
Amylase Lipase Blood Test
Often, an amylase test is done alongside a lipase test. Lipase is another enzyme produced by the pancreas that helps digest fats. Testing both amylase and lipase levels provides a more comprehensive view of pancreatic function. This combination test is crucial for diagnosing acute pancreatitis and other pancreatic disorders.
Why Do an Amylase Blood Test?
The primary reasons for performing an amylase blood test include:
- Diagnosing acute or chronic pancreatitis.
- Investigating unexplained abdominal pain.
- Monitoring the progress of pancreatic diseases.
- Evaluating the cause of digestive disorders.
Amylase Blood Test Results Explained
Understanding your amylase blood test results is essential:
- High Amylase Levels: Elevated amylase levels may indicate acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic pseudocyst, or other conditions such as gallbladder disease, kidney failure, or gastrointestinal perforation.
- Low Amylase Levels: Low levels might be seen in chronic pancreatitis due to extensive pancreatic damage, cystic fibrosis, or after pancreatic surgery.
Amylase Blood Test Procedure
During the examination, a medical professional will collect a blood sample, typically from a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to measure the amylase levels.
Do I Need to Fast for an Amylase Blood Test?
Fasting is generally not required for an amylase blood test unless specified by your healthcare provider.
