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Amylase Test Test

An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine. High levels may indicate a pancreas or salivary gland problem, while low levels are rare but can signal other conditions.

What this test measures

An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine. Amylase is an enzyme that helps you digest carbohydrates. Most amylase is made by your pancreas and salivary glands.

What your results mean

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.

Higher-than-normal results

High levels of amylase in blood or urine may be a sign of acute pancreatitis, a blockage in a pancreatic duct, or pancreatic cancer or a benign tumor. High levels in peritoneal fluid may indicate acute pancreatitis, a blocked intestine, or lack of blood flow to the intestines.

Lower-than-normal results

Low levels of amylase in blood or urine are uncommon, but may be a sign of chronic pancreatitis causing permanent damage to cells that make amylase, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, liver disease, or pre-eclampsia.

Frequently asked questions

What is an amylase test?

An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine. Amylase is an enzyme that helps you digest carbohydrates.

Why is an amylase test done?

It is mainly used to diagnose problems with your pancreas, including pancreatitis, and to monitor chronic pancreatitis.

What do high amylase levels mean?

High levels may be a sign of acute pancreatitis, a blockage in a pancreatic duct, or pancreatic cancer or a benign tumor.

What do low amylase levels mean?

Low levels are uncommon but may be a sign of chronic pancreatitis, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, liver disease, or pre-eclampsia.

Can an amylase test be done on urine?

Yes, an amylase test can be done on urine. Changes in amylase levels show up in blood before urine, so a urine test may be done with or after a blood test.

Related lab tests

Sources

Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.