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Normally, only low levels of amylase are found in the blood or urine. But if the pancreas, Opens dialog or salivary glands, Opens dialog become damaged or blocked, more amylase is usually released into the blood and urine. In the blood, amylase levels rise for only a short time. In the urine, amylase may remain high for several days.
See if the treatment for pancreatitis and other pancreatic diseases is working.
Check swelling and inflammation of the salivary glands.
In general, you don't need to prepare before having this test. Your doctor may give you some specific instructions.
For 24-hour urine collection, your doctor or lab will usually give you a large container that holds about 1 gallon.
Information about Amylase Test
Blood test
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
Urine test
Amylase can be measured in a 24-hour urine sample. You must collect all the urine you produce in a 24-hour period.
You start collecting your urine when you wake up. When you first get up, empty your bladder, but don't save this urine. Write down the time that you urinated to mark the start of your 24-hour collection period.
For the next 24 hours, collect all your urine. Your doctor or lab will usually provide you with a large container that holds about 1 gallon. The container may have a small amount of preservative in it. Urinate into a small, clean container, and then pour the urine into the large container. Do not touch the inside of the containers with your fingers.
Keep the large container in the refrigerator for the 24 hours.
Empty your bladder for the final time at or just before the end of the 24-hour period. Add this urine to the large container, and record the time.
Do not get toilet paper, pubic hair, stool (feces), menstrual blood, or other foreign matter in the urine sample.
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
Urine test
This test usually doesn't cause any pain or discomfort.
Blood test
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
Urine test
There are no known risks from having this test.
Normal
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.
High values
Values may be high because of:
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis, Opens dialog), a pancreatic cyst, or cancer of the pancreas.
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
