Test Details
Methodology
Salivary amylase is inhibited by specific antibodies and the remaining pancreatic amylase is determined by an enzymatic, colorimetric method.
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 4 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
Evaluate pancreatic disease. Amylase is primarily produced in the pancreas and salivary glands. Isoenzymes may be used to determine the source of an elevated amylase concentration. Measurement of pancreatic amylase activity is of value in diagnosing pancreatitis and other pancreatic disorders which result in elevation of serum and urine amylase.
Limitations
Patients with macroamylase may have elevated pancreatic amylase results. The elevation is due to the higher than normal level of pancreatic amylase in the macroimmune complex. This elevated pancreatic amylase is not diagnostic for pancreatitis, however, measurement of an elevated pancreatic amylase in urine is confirmatory of pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, or pancreatic carcinoma since macroamylases are too large for renal clearance (see Additional Information).
Custom Additional Information
Macroamylases are sometimes present in sera. These rare forms are probably complexes between ordinary amylase (usually S-type) and IgA, IgG, or other high molecular weight plasma proteins. These macroamylases cannot be filtered through the glomeruli of the kidney because of their large size (MW >200,000) and are thus retained in the plasma where their presence may increase amylase activity to some six- to eightfold over that observed in health. In macroamylasemia, amylase activity in the urine is lower than normal, since less amylase is cleared by the kidneys. No clinical symptoms are associated with this disorder; however, many of these cases have been detected following investigation of abdominal pain.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum (preferred); lithium heparin plasma is acceptable.
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (heparin) tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 30 minutes of collection.
Reference Range
See table.
Age | Male (units/L) | Female (units/L) |
|---|---|---|
0-1 years | Not established | Not established |
2-17 years | 12-40 | 12-40 |
18-60 years | 14-55 | 14-55 |
>60 years | 13-72 | 13-72 |
Storage Instructions
Room temperature; stable for seven days. Stable refrigerated for one month.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; use of anticoagulants other than lithium heparin (Citrate and fluoride inhibit the assay reaction.)
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123111 | Pancreatic Amylase, S | 1805-1 | 123111 | Pancreatic Amylase, S | U/L | 1805-1 |
| Order Code | 123111 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Pancreatic Amylase, S | |||||
| Order Loinc | 1805-1 | |||||
| Result Code | 123111 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Pancreatic Amylase, S | |||||
| UofM | U/L | |||||
| Result LOINC | 1805-1 |