Amylase

Alpha-Amylase Test

Results

An amylase test measures the amount of this enzyme in a sample of blood taken from a vein or in a sample of urine. Many conditions can change amylase levels. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.

Results are normally available within 72 hours.

Normal

Amylase

Blood sample:	60–180 units per liter (U/L)*
2-hour urine sample:	6.5–48.1 U/hour*
24-hour urine sample:	Up to 5,000 U/24 hours*
*Values may be slightly increased during normal pregnancy and in older adults.

High values

Values may be high because of:

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or cancer of the pancreas.
• Inflammation of the salivary glands, such as mumps.
• Blockage of or severe damage to the intestines (bowel infarction).
• A stomach ulcer that has caused a hole in the stomach wall.
• Gallstones that are causing pancreatitis.
• Cystic fibrosis.
• Pregnancy and diabetic ketoacidosis.
• A ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
• Macroamylasemia, an uncommon and harmless condition in which amylase is bound to a protein in the blood. This condition can cause amylase levels to be either high or low.

Low values

Values may be low because of an uncommon and harmless condition called macroamylasemia, severe liver disease, pregnancy, preeclampsia, or advanced cystic fibrosis.

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Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated: April 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
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