AMYLASE

Message
CHEMISTRY


Test Code
AMY


Alias/See Also
AMY


Preferred Specimen
PLASMA, BODY FLUIDS


Minimum Volume
1-2 MLS


Instructions
Draw 1 Lt Green tube, lithium heparin tube-plasma, spin and separate plasma. Testing on body fluid is performed and reported at the clinician's request. The laboratory has no specific data on the accuracy or reliability of this test, nor can the lab provide validated reference ranges. Results should be interpreted with caution.


Transport Container
ORIGINAL TUBE


Transport Temperature
REFRIGERATED


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C or colder): 1 year


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
LIPEMIC SPECIMEN MAY GIVE FALSE LOW RESULTS. REASON FOR REJECTION HEMOLYSIS


Methodology
Enzymatic-DS

Setup Schedule
DAILY


Report Available
DAILY


Reference Range
25-125 UNITS/L


Clinical Significance
The major sources of amylase are the pancreas and the salivary glands. The most common cause of elevation of serum amylase is inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). In acute pancreatitis, serum amylase begins to rise within 6-24 hours, remains elevated for a few days and returns to normal in 3-7 days. Other causes of elevated serum amylase are inflammation of salivary glands (mumps), biliary tract disease and bowel obstruction. Elevated serum amylase can also be seen with drugs (e.g., morphine) which constrict the pancreatic duct sphincter preventing excretion of amylase into the intestine.


Performing Laboratory
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION VT VA- CHEMISTRY 802-295-9363 EXT: 5518, 5519



The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.