Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out how much amylase is in your blood. Amylase can also be measured in your urine or in fluid from outside your organs in your belly. Amylase is an enzyme that is made by your pancreas. It helps break down carbohydrates in the food you eat. Other organs like your salivary glands also make amylase. Most often, you have a small amount of amylase in your blood and urine. This is called your amylase level. If you have a problem with your pancreas, the amount of amylase may be higher. ‚
The doctor may order an amylase test to: ‚
- Check for problems in your pancreas. These are things like pancreatitis, a tumor, or a block in your pancreatic duct. You may have signs like:
- Very bad stomach pain or back pain
- Fever
- Not feeling hungry
- Upset stomach
- Learn more about your belly pain and upset belly
- Help find or follow an illness like cystic fibrosis or Crohns disease
- See how well your treatment is working
- Go along with a lipase test
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and compare them to a normal amylase level. Then, your doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal it means your pancreas is likely working in a normal way.
- Amylase levels are often very high in people with acute pancreatitis. Other illnesses may also cause your amylase levels to be high. Some of them are cancer in your pancreas or a gallstone that blocks your pancreas.
- Low levels of amylase may mean your pancreas is not working well. This may happen because of a long-term illness like cystic fibrosis.
- Your doctor may order another test to check the test results.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- An amylase test is more correct when taken after fasting. You may be asked to stop eating and drinking for 8 hours before this blood test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
Blood test: ‚
It will only take a few minutes to have the blood test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain when the needle is placed into a vein in your arm to draw your blood. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much amylase is in it. ‚
Urine test: ‚
A urine test for amylase is most often collected over 24 hours. This means you must save all of your urine for 24 hours. The lab will give you a special container to keep your urine in. Talk with them about how to store it. ‚
To do a 24-hour urine test: ‚
- First thing in the morning, empty your bladder of urine into the toilet. Do not save this urine.
- The next time you need to go, place the small cup into your urine stream and collect your urine in the cup.
- Empty the cup into the large container and keep this in the refrigerator.
- Save all of your urine in the container for 24 hours. Be sure to empty your bladder one last time just before the end of the 24-hours and add it to the container.
- Take your urine to the lab as soon as possible.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up if you had a blood test. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor decide if you have a problem with your amylase level. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/amylase ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚