Amylase, Pancreatic Cyst Fluid
Use
This test is useful for aiding in distinguishing between pseudocysts and other types of pancreatic cysts. It is used in conjunction with imaging studies, cytology, and other pancreatic cyst fluid tumor markers. Measurement of amylase in pancreatic cyst fluid is often used alongside tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen and CA19-9 for differential diagnosis of pancreatic cyst lesions, particularly to help exclude pancreatic pseudocysts. Low amylase values virtually exclude pseudocysts, as amylase levels are typically very high in pseudocysts.
Special Instructions
For non-pancreatic cyst fluid specimens (e.g., peritoneal or pleural fluid), order AMBF / Amylase, Body Fluid. This test will be converted to AMBF if ordered on any fluid other than pancreatic fluid. If ordering manually, complete and send either the Oncology Test Request form (T729) or the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request form (T728) with the specimen.
Limitations
This test should not be the sole basis for diagnosis. Results should always be correlated with imaging and cytology findings. The in-house studies show that a cutoff less than 250 U/L to exclude a pseudocyst offers 94% sensitivity and 42% specificity, but specificity is relatively low, indicating that not all positive results are pathognomonic for a diagnosis.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 48996-3
- 48996-3
- 39111-0
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plain vial
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |