Amylase, Body Fluid
Also known as: Cyst Fluid Amylase
Use
Pancreatitis with or without pseudocyst formation or pancreatic pleural fistula is the most common cause of amylase elevation in pleural fluid. Rupture of the esophagus is the second most common group and malignant effusion is the third.1 Other causes include pancreatic ascites and pancreatic duct trauma. Defect in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract (eg, perforated peptic ulcer) will allow pancreatic secretion to enter the peritoneal cavity. Similarly, peritoneal fluid amylase elevations may be found in the presence of necrotic bowel. Peritoneal fluid, containing such amylase, can find its way into a pleural space.
Special Instructions
State source of fluid on the request form (e.g., pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, synovial, cyst).
Limitations
In collection of ascitic fluid, the localization of the catheter is likely to affect the chemistry result. Oxalate or citrate depress results. Lipemic sample may contain inhibitors which falsely depress results. Benign ovarian cyst fluids may have significant amylase activity. The method performance specifications have not been established for this test in body fluid. The test result should be integrated into the clinical context for interpretation.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1795-4
- 1795-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Clean container, no preservative
Collection Instructions
Aspirate fluid and transfer to a clean transport tube ASAP.
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 |