OVERVIEW:
What is amylase lab test?
An amylase test measures the amount of amylase present in a person’s blood or urine. Amylase is an important enzyme that helps in the digestion of food.
Why is the amylase test done?
An amylase blood test is used to diagnose or monitor a problem of the pancreas, pancreatitis, for monitoring of patients that are being treated for a pancreatic disorder, pregnancy, and eating disorder.
What does amylase lab test measure?
An amylase lab test measures the amount of amylase present in a person’s blood or urine. A higher than normal amount of amylase in blood or urine indicates a pancreatic disorder, infection, or alchoholism.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test. Bleeding bruising at the site where the needle was put in during a blood test might occur.
What are the causes of a low amylase level?
Preeclampsia and kidney disease are 2 causes of low amylase levels.
What are the causes of high amylase level?
Following are the causes of high amylase level:
Pancreatitis, cholecystitis, gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers, and ectopic pregnancy.
What is the function of amylase?
Amylase plays a key role in the digestion of carbohydrates.
What is serum amylase test?
A serum amylase test measures the amount of amylase in a person’s blood or urine.
An amylase lab test is done to diagnose the following conditions:
- Problems of the pancreas,
- Infections,
- Alcoholism,
- Pregnancy,
- Eating disorder,
- Monitoring of patients that are receiving treatment for a pancreatic disorder.
