Serum Amylase Test

This enzyme is produced in the pancreas; hence its estimation yields information about the functioning of pancreas and also indicative of several pancreatic disorders-acute pancreatitis, importantly. It can also be used to diagnose chronic pancreatitis and other pancreatic disorders. 

Your doctor may recommend amylase enzymatic serum test for you if you show symptoms of a pancreatic disorder. The symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe pain in the abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Recurring Fever

Amylase is one of several enzymes produced by the pancreas in order to facilitate digestion of carbohydrates. Amylase enzymatic serum test measures the amount of amylase in the blood or urine or sometimes in peritoneal fluid-fluid present in the abdomen.

The test is used in :
- Acute Inflammation Of Pancreas.
- Diagnose suspected cases of acute pancreatitis
- Monitor the effectiveness of treatment for pancreatic disease.
- To help diagnose or monitor treatment for other disorders that may affect amylase levels, such as salivary gland disorders and certain digestive conditions. 
- Monitor the pancreatic affection in cases of crohn's disease, coeliac disease and cystic fibrosis.  

The test measures the levels of amylase in the blood. 

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

High levels are seen in various pancreatic as well as salivary gland disorders, intestinal blockage, peptic ulcer, appendicitis, viral hepatitis, burns and acute alcohol poisoning.
Low levels are seen in bone fracture, chronic heart failure, chronic pancreatitis, liver and kidney diseases

The Amylase Test is a medical test that measures the level of amylase enzyme in the blood, urine, or peritoneal fluid. Amylase helps digest carbohydrates and starches.

The Serum Amylase Test is recommended when there are symptoms suggesting pancreatic disorders, such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or jaundice. It is also used for monitoring conditions like cystic fibrosis or after gallstone removal. 

The Serum Amylase Test is essential for diagnosing and monitoring pancreatic diseases, particularly acute and chronic pancreatitis. It helps identify the cause of pancreas-related symptoms and monitor treatment efficacy. 

Amylase Tests can be performed at any age when symptoms or conditions necessitate it. There is no specific age limit for the amylase blood test. 

Conditions that can increase amylase levels include acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, salivary gland infections or blockages, intestinal blockage, cholecystitis, perforated ulcer, viral hepatitis, mumps, drug use, and appendicitis. 

Conditions that can decrease amylase levels include chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, liver failure, kidney disease, bone fracture, congestive heart failure, gastrointestinal cancer, and pregnancy. 

Controlling elevated amylase levels involves addressing the underlying condition, which may include treatment for pancreatitis, management of salivary gland issues, surgical intervention for gallstones or pancreatic cancer, and dietary changes to support pancreatic function. 

Factors that can affect Amylase Test results include medications (aspirin, birth control pills, opiates, diuretics), alcohol consumption, kidney disease, liver failure, and certain drugs like asparaginase, cholinergic medicines, ethacrynic acid, and methyldopa. 

Additional tests, besides the S Amylase Test, may include a lipase test, ultrasound or CT scans, urine Amylase Test, blood tests for other pancreatic enzymes and markers, and imaging tests to rule out other conditions. 

The benefits of the amylase blood test include early diagnosis of pancreatic disorders, monitoring treatment efficacy, identifying salivary gland or intestinal issues, and helping rule out other abdominal conditions. 

Fasting is generally not necessary before an Amylase Test. However, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption and to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. 

Yes, some labs like Metropolis Healthcare provides home sample collection service for the Amylase Test, where a trained phlebotomist will collect the required blood sample at your doorstep. 

Amylase Test results are usually ready after 4 hours, depending on when the sample is collected and processed.