Amylase, serum
Clinical Background:
Amylase is the enzyme concerned with the breakdown of dietary starch and glycogen to maltose. It is present in pancreatic juice, saliva and in the liver, fallopian tubes and muscle. It exists as tw...
Amylase is the enzyme concerned with the breakdown of dietary starch and glycogen to maltose. It is present in pancreatic juice, saliva and in the liver, fallopian tubes and muscle. It exists as two isoenzymes: pancreatic (P‐type) and non‐pancreatic (S‐type). Amylase is primarily used in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum-SST
Serum-SST
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum-Plain tube
Serum-Plain tube
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
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Sample Stability:
Unseparated: 4 days
Separated:
at +15° to +25°C 7 days
at +2° to +8°C 1 monthUnseparated: 4 days
Separated:
at +15° to +25°C 7 days
at +2° to +8°C 1 month -
Interpretation:
Causes of raised Amylase levels include:-
• Marked increase in acute pancreatitis, severe uraemia and severe diabetic ketoacidosis. In acute pancreatitis, serum amylase activity typically increases...Read MoreCauses of raised Amylase levels include:-
• Marked increase in acute pancreatitis, severe uraemia and severe diabetic ketoacidosis. In acute pancreatitis, serum amylase activity typically increases within 2‐12 h of onset of symptoms, has a 24 h peak and remains elevated for 3‐7 days.
• Moderate increase in other acute abdominal disorders such as a perforated peptic ulcer, acute cholecystitis, intestinal obstruction, abdominal trauma, ruptured ectopic pregnancy. It is also moderately raised with salivary gland disorders such as mumps, salivary calculi and after sialography.
• Morphine administration.
• Myocardial infarction.
• Acute alcoholic intoxication (transient). -
Reference Ranges:
All ages: 0 - 100 U/L
All ages: 0 - 100 U/L
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Factors Affecting Result:
Amylase is inhibited by most non‐heparin anticoagulants including
citrate, EDTA and oxalate.
Icodextrin-based drugs may lead to decreased amylase values.Amylase is inhibited by most non‐heparin anticoagulants including
citrate, EDTA and oxalate.
Icodextrin-based drugs may lead to decreased amylase values. -
Other Info:
Plasma- Lithium Heparin also acceptable
Plasma- Lithium Heparin also acceptable
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719 -
Routine Email: