Book Serum Amylase Test

Normally, a serum amylase test is needed to check:

• Amount of amylase in the blood or urine.
• Inflammation of the pancreas.
• Disorders in the salivary gland.

When cells and tissues in the pancreas are injured, the production of amylase is increased in the blood. As amylase is eliminated through urine. A serum amylase test determines the levels of amylase through a urine sample. Increased levels of amylase may mean pancreatitis, blocked pancreatic duct, or a pancreatic tumour.

A serum amylase test is normally done if the doctor suspects –

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• Pain in the middle of the chest
• Nausea, sweating.
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Symptoms of pancreatic disorders, such as fever, loss of appetite, severe abdominal pain

For an amy test, it is advised:

• Not to consume alcohol at least 24 hours before the test.
• The doctor should be informed in case you are taking medicines (like aspirin, opiates, birth control pills), herbs, vitamins, or alcohol, as these can affect the results.
• Not to eat or drink anything except water, 2 hours before taking the blood test.

One does not have to do anything special to get ready for an amylase test.

• A serum amylase blood test measures the amount of amylase in a person’s blood and urine. A higher amylase level in the blood raises the chances of a condition affecting the pancreas.
• For acute pancreatitis, the increase in amylase levels occurs 4 to 8 hours after the injury and remains elevated until treated. After that, it will come down to normal levels after a few days.
• For chronic pancreatitis, the amylase levels increase initially but decrease over time while the pancreas is affected. An often change in the levels, from high to normal, may indicate the affected area is not treated well.
• Amylase levels in urine often imitate the levels in the blood. As the amylase levels in the blood decrease, it takes a few days before the levels in urine come to normal.

For a serum amylase test, a blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm using a small needle. One might feel a little prick when the needle goes in. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood sample will be collected into a test tube. At times, the doctor can suggest going for a urine amylase test wherein you need to provide a urine sample in a closed container. This complete procedure can be done by a trained health professional.

There is generally no side effect or risk involved in an amylase test. However, one should keep the following things in mind:

• As the blood will be drawn from the vein in the arm through an injection, you can expect a little pain and wound for a short period.
• Covering the patch with a cotton bud or a band aid will prevent any chance of infection.