Amylase

CPT Code(s):
82150

Turnaround Time:
4 hours

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:
Serum

Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL

Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube

Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature

Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.

Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling

Stability Criteria

Room Temperature:
7 days

Refrigerated:
7 days

Frozen:
30 days

Clinical Significance

Amylase holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of clinical chemistry and gastroenterology. This test measures the level of amylase, an enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands, in a patient's blood or urine sample.

The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Amylase include:

1. Diagnosis of Pancreatic Disorders: Elevated levels of amylase in the blood can indicate pancreatic disorders, such as acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, or pancreatic cancer. Amylase levels often rise rapidly in acute pancreatitis and can remain elevated for several days. Amylase aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions, helping healthcare providers assess pancreatic function and guide appropriate treatment interventions.

2. Assessment of Pancreatic Graft Function: In patients who have undergone pancreas transplantation, Amylase is used to monitor the function of the transplanted pancreas. Elevated or fluctuating amylase levels may indicate graft rejection, pancreatitis in the transplanted organ, or other complications. Regular monitoring of amylase levels assists in the early detection of graft dysfunction and guides further evaluation and management.

3. Evaluation of Abdominal Pain and Gastrointestinal Disorders: Amylase can be helpful in evaluating abdominal pain and diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders. Elevated amylase levels may suggest conditions such as cholecystitis, peptic ulcer disease, or intestinal obstruction. The test helps healthcare providers differentiate between pancreatic and non-pancreatic causes of abdominal pain and supports appropriate treatment planning.

4. Differential Diagnosis of Hyperamylasemia: Hyperamylasemia refers to elevated amylase levels in the blood. Amylase aids in the differential diagnosis of hyperamylasemia by assessing the source of increased amylase activity. Different patterns of amylase elevation can help distinguish between pancreatic causes (such as pancreatitis) and non-pancreatic causes (such as salivary gland disorders or kidney disease).

5. Monitoring Treatment and Recovery: For patients diagnosed with pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders, Amylase assists in monitoring treatment response and recovery. Serial measurements of amylase levels over time help healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of interventions, track disease progression, and guide decisions regarding the duration of treatment.

In summary, Amylase has specific clinical significance and diagnostic uses in assessing pancreatic disorders, monitoring pancreatic graft function, evaluating abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disorders, differentiating hyperamylasemia causes, and monitoring treatment and recovery. By measuring amylase levels, healthcare providers gain valuable insights into pancreatic health, aiding in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of various pancreatic and gastrointestinal conditions.