Amylase
Disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes. Consult a physician to interpret your test results. Lissa Health helps track biomarker trends but does not replace medical advice.
What This Test Measures
Amylase digests carbohydrates; produced by pancreas and salivary glands. Classic acute pancreatitis marker (3+ fold elevation).
Less specific than lipase — also elevated in parotitis, macroamylasemia, renal failure.
Lipase is preferred for suspected pancreatitis due to higher specificity.
Normal Ranges
| Group | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Men | 28–100 U/L |
| Women | 28–100 U/L |
| Children | 30–110 U/L |
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and assay method.
Causes of High Levels
- Acute pancreatitis
- Parotitis
- Bowel obstruction
- Renal failure
- Macroamylasemia
Causes of Low Levels
- Chronic pancreatitis (exocrine insufficiency)
- Pancreatectomy
Test Preparation
- Fasting preferred
- Report abdominal pain and alcohol use
Related Biomarkers
| Biomarker | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Lipase | More pancreas-specific |
| Glucose | Diabetes after pancreatitis |
| Triglycerides | Hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis |
FAQ
How often should I take this test?
In acute pancreatitis — every 24–48 hours until normalized.
What should I do if my result is abnormal?
Acute elevation with epigastric pain — emergency care; NPO until evaluated.
Last updated: June 2026