Amylase

Test Code

AMYL

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL plasma (0.5 mL minimum)

Transport Container

PST (light green top). Red top and SST also acceptable

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days, Refrigerated: 6 months, Frozen: >6 months

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Grossly hemolyzed specimens are unacceptable.

Reference Range

Age	Male/Female
Adult (>17 years):	25-115 U/L
Pediatric:
0–30 days	0-17
31–183 days	0-42
6 – 11 months	0-80
1 –17 years	0-105

Clinical Significance

A marked rise in serum amylase occurs in 95 percent of patients with acute pancreatitis within 2-12 hours of onset. The enzyme enters the circulation from damaged pancreatic acinar cells. The highest serum activity is present 12-72 hours after the onset and usually returns to normal in 4-8 days. Serum amylase is cleared by the kidneys, and can be detected by measuring urinary amylase activity. Acute non-pancreatic conditions, which may also elevate amylase levels, include: acute parotitis, peritonitis, small intestine obstruction, perforated peptic ulcer, rupture of a tubal pregnancy, contraction of the sphincter of Oddi following morphine administration and mesenteric thrombosis.

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.