Test Directory

• Salivary amylase
• Total amylase
• Pancreatic amylase

Evaluate parotitis and 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 that result in the elevation of serum and urine amylase.

Preferred Specimen Type: Serum

Alternate Specimen Type: Plasma

Preferred Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Plain or Green Top (Lithium Heparin)

Desired Specimen Volume: 2 mL

1. Collect a gold top, serum separator tube via venipuncture.

1. Separate serum from cells within 30 minutes of collection.
2. Transfer 2 mL of serum to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap).

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 

• Hemolysis
• Use of anticoagulants other than lithium heparin (Citrate and fluoride inhibit the assay reaction)

 See patient report.

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).

• Amylase Fractionation
• Isoamylase
• Pancreatic Amylase
• Salivary Amylase