AMYLASE

An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine (pee). Amylase is an enzyme, or special protein, that helps you digest carbohydrates. Most of the amylase in your body is made by your pancreas and salivary glands.

Amylase Test

What is an Amylase Test?

An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine (pee). Amylase is an enzyme, or special protein, that helps you digest carbohydrates. Most of the amylase in your body is made by your pancreas and salivary glands.

A small amount of amylase in your blood and urine is normal. But having too much or too little may be a sign of a disorder of the pancreas or salivary glands, or another medical condition.

Other names: Amy test, serum amylase, urine amylase

What is it used for?

Tests for amylase in blood or urine are mainly used to diagnose problems with your pancreas, including pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. It is also used to monitor chronic (long-term) pancreatitis.

Increases and decreases in amylase levels show up in blood before urine, so an amylase urine test may be done with or after an amylase blood test.

One or both types of amylase test may also be used to help diagnose or monitor treatment for other disorders that may affect amylase levels, such as salivary gland disorders and certain digestive conditions.

Why do I need an amylase test?

Your health care provider may order an amylase blood and/or urine test if you have symptoms of a pancreatic disorder. Symptoms may begin suddenly or slowly and include:

• Pain in your upper abdomen (belly) that may spread to your back or get worse after eating
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Fast heartbeat
• Jaundice
• Greasy, foul-smelling stool (poop)