Amylase
Understand Amylase levels for pancreatic and salivary gland function assessment. Monitor digestive enzyme health effectively.
What is Amylase?
Amylase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down starches and complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. It’s produced primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands. Serum amylase levels can indicate pancreatic or salivary gland problems when elevated above normal ranges.
Why is it Tested?
Doctors order amylase to evaluate abdominal pain that might indicate pancreatitis, assess pancreatic function, or investigate digestive problems. It’s often ordered alongside lipase for more accurate pancreatic assessment, as both enzymes are released during pancreatic inflammation.
Normal Ranges
Reference ranges vary by lab:
- Adults: 28–100 U/L
Amylase levels can vary slightly with age and may be affected by kidney function, as amylase is partially eliminated through the kidneys.
Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
High Amylase
Elevated levels may indicate:
- Acute pancreatitis
- Chronic pancreatitis (sometimes)
- Pancreatic duct obstruction
- Salivary gland disorders (mumps, stones)
- Kidney disease
Low Amylase
Decreased levels may suggest:
- Chronic pancreatitis with significant tissue damage
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Cystic fibrosis
- Advanced pancreatic cancer
How to Track Over Time
Amylase levels typically rise rapidly during acute pancreatitis and return to normal within a few days. Persistently elevated levels may indicate ongoing pancreatic inflammation or duct obstruction. Tracking alongside lipase provides better assessment of pancreatic health over time.
Track your Amylase results over time
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