Amylase, Serum - Diagnostic Tests | Diagnostiki Athinon
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Serum total amylase measurement is used in the investigation of pancreatitis and pancreatic function.
Amylase is an enzyme found mainly in the pancreas and salivary glands and in very small amounts in the liver, small intestinal epithelium, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The function of amylase is to digest complex carbohydrates. Serum amylase is usually measured for the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain due to acute pancreatitis and abdominal pain from other causes. Serum amylase begins to rise 3 to 6 hours after the onset of acute pancreatitis and peak in about 24 hours. The values ​​return to normal within 2 to 3 days after the onset of the disease.
Serum amylase and / or lipase levels (another pancreatic enzyme) can be considered diagnostic when their values ​​are at least 3 times higher than normal.
Increase: Acute pancreatitis, alcoholism, biliary obstruction, cholelithiasis, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperlipidemia, hyperthyroidism, salivary gland inflammation, mumps, gastrointestinal perforation, perforated ulcer, pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy rupture. Medications: paracetamol, antibiotics, aspirin and salicylates, corticosteroids, estrogens, furosemide, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), prednisone, thiazide diuretics.
Decrease: Liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, pancreatic cancer, severe burns, severe thyrotoxicosis. Medications: citric compounds, glucose, oxalates.
Measurement of total amylase is performed by taking a blood sample which can be done: