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Amylase
Test CodeAMY
Alias/See Also
AMYL
CPT Codes
82150
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL plasma collected in a PST (LiHeparin tube)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma- Lithium Heparin (PST) Serum- SST, Red Top or Tiger Top Sterile Cup, B-D urine foley and BD specimen cup collection kit Body Fluids (Not CSF) collected in a sterile container
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature: Plasma \Serum 7 days at 15-25°C
Urine 2 days at 15-25°C
Refrigerated: Plasma \Serum
1 month at 2-8°C
Urine 10 days at 2-8°C
Frozen: Not Specified
Urine 2 days at 15-25°C
Refrigerated: Plasma \Serum
1 month at 2-8°C
Urine 10 days at 2-8°C
Frozen: Not Specified
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Grossly Hemolyzed, Lipemic and Icteric are unacceptable
Methodology
Enzymatic
Setup Schedule
Mon-Sun
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
Plasma/Serum
29 – 103 U/L
Urine
Random Urine No established reference range
2 hour timed Urine 5 - 27 U/hour
24 hour Urine 59 – 401 U/24 hr
Body Fluids: No established reference range
29 – 103 U/L
Urine
Random Urine No established reference range
2 hour timed Urine 5 - 27 U/hour
24 hour Urine 59 – 401 U/24 hr
Body Fluids: No established reference range
Clinical Significance
Amylase is an enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas and the salivary glands to help digest carbohydrates. This test measures the amount of amylase in the blood or urine or sometimes in peritoneal fluid, which is fluid found between the membranes that cover the abdominal cavity and the outside of abdominal organs.
The blood amylase test is used to help diagnose and monitor acute pancreatitis. It may also be used to diagnose and monitor chronic pancreatitis and other disorders that may involve the pancreas. Hyperamylasemia does not, however, only occur with acute pancreatitis or in the inflammatory phase of chronic pancreatitis, but also in renal failure (reduced glomerular filtration), tumors of the lungs or ovaries, pulmonary inflammation, diseases of the salivary gland, diabetic ketoacidosis, cerebral trauma, surgical interventions or in the case of macroamylasemia. To confirm pancreatic specificity, it is recommended that an additional pancreas-specific enzyme - lipase or pancreatic--amylase - also be determined.
The blood amylase test is used to help diagnose and monitor acute pancreatitis. It may also be used to diagnose and monitor chronic pancreatitis and other disorders that may involve the pancreas. Hyperamylasemia does not, however, only occur with acute pancreatitis or in the inflammatory phase of chronic pancreatitis, but also in renal failure (reduced glomerular filtration), tumors of the lungs or ovaries, pulmonary inflammation, diseases of the salivary gland, diabetic ketoacidosis, cerebral trauma, surgical interventions or in the case of macroamylasemia. To confirm pancreatic specificity, it is recommended that an additional pancreas-specific enzyme - lipase or pancreatic--amylase - also be determined.
Performing Laboratory
Frederick Health Laboratory
400 W 7th Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Last Updated: April 20, 2020
