Amylase
Use
Work-up for abdominal pain, epigastric tenderness, nausea, and vomiting. Such findings characterize acute pancreatitis as well as acute surgical emergencies such as gastrointestinal perforation (eg, peptic ulcer with perforation) or bowel infarct. Amylase is used in the differential diagnosis of acute or chronic pancreatitis, which may or may not in an individual be related to alcoholism. Hypercalcemia related to pancreatitis is described with hyperparathyroidism and other entities. About 80% of subjects with acute pancreatitis have increased serum amylase within 24 hours.1
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The test has poor specificity. Factors like oxalate or citrate presence and lipemic sera can depress results. Normal serum amylase levels are possible in chronic or relapsing pancreatitis cases. Non-pancreatic factors such as high levels in alcoholics or salivary amylase predominance due to conditions like renal failure may also affect readings. The test's capability to detect pancreatic-specific elevations is limited, given that serum amylase derives from non-pancreatic sources as well.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer
Biomarkers
Amylase
Analyte
LOINC Codes
- 1798-8 - Amylase SerPl-cCnc
- 1798-8 - Amylase SerPl-cCnc
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube.
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant