Amylase enzyme test

Amylase is an enzyme which found in human saliva. But it is mainly produced by the pancreas therefore amylase is considered as a pancreatic enzyme. Amylase enzyme involves in the digestion of carbohydrates.

human salivary amylase molecule

There are three types of amylases are found

1. alpha-amylase
2. beta-amylase
3. gamma amylase

Amylase enzyme test is done to diagnose or to detect several diseases such as pancreatitis. Since it is a production of pancreas, amylase enzyme test is used to diagnose or monitor the pancreatic conditions.

Amylase enzyme test is done usingeither urine or blood.

Normal amylase enzyme test is ranging from 40 to 140 U/L.

High amylase enzyme test can be found in following conditions;

• Acute pancreatitis
• Cancer of the pancreas, ovaries, or lungs
• Cholecystitis
• Gallbladder attack resulting from disease
• Infection of the salivary glands (such as mumps) or an obstruction
• Intestinal obstruction
• Macroamylasemia
• Pancreatic or bile duct obstruction
• Perforated ulcer
• Tubal pregnancy (may be ruptured)
• Viral gastroenteritis

Low amylase enzyme test can be found in following conditions;

• Damage to the pancreas
• Kidney disease
• Pancreatic cancer
• Toxemia of pregnancy