The amylase test is a blood test. It measures the amount of an enzyme called amylase in the blood. Amylase is made by the pancreas and the salivary glands. It helps you digest starches (carbohydrates) in the food you eat.
Usually the test is done to check for problems with the pancreas. For example, this test may be done to see if you have pancreatitis, which is inflammation or swelling of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ behind the stomach. It makes digestive enzymes and insulin. The digestive enzymes flow into the small intestine to help your body break down food. Insulin goes into the blood to control the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood.
This test may also be done if the salivary glands in your mouth are swollen or tender to check for infection or inflammation.
You may need to avoid taking certain medicines before the test because they might affect the test result. Make sure your healthcare provider knows about any medicines, herbs, or supplements that you are taking. Don't stop any of your regular medicines without first consulting with your healthcare provider.
The skin on your arm is carefully cleaned and then a small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your arm with a needle. The blood is collected in tubes and sent to a lab.
Ask your healthcare provider when and how you will get the result of your test.
The normal range may vary slightly from lab to lab.
The most common cause of an abnormal result is pancreatitis. Anything that blocks pancreatic juices can cause abnormally high amylase--for example:
Amylase may also be high because of:
Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your medical history and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your healthcare provider about your result and ask questions such as:
