PancreasReported in U/LAmylase
A digestive enzyme from the pancreas and the salivary glands. It rises in the blood when those tissues are irritated or when clearance falls.
What it measures
Amylase breaks starch into sugars. The pancreas and the salivary glands both release it, so a high blood amylase is not automatically a pancreas problem. The kidneys clear it, which means reduced filtration can raise the level modestly. The adult interval on this panel sits in a band that already accounts for everyday variation.
Why it is on the panel
It is the historical partner of lipase for spotting acute pancreatitis. Lipase has taken the lead, but amylase still helps when the two are read together, and it catches salivary gland inflammation that lipase would miss.
How to read it
Read amylase with lipase and with creatinine. Lipase high and amylase high fits pancreatic inflammation. Amylase high and lipase typical raises salivary glands, bowel disease, and a few other non-pancreatic sources. Both mildly high with a high creatinine can be reduced clearance.
When it runs higher
Acute pancreatitis, a blocked pancreatic duct, salivary gland inflammation including mumps, bowel perforation or ischemia, and reduced kidney function raise amylase. A result several times the interval, with upper abdominal pain through to the back, needs same-day care.
When it runs lower
A low amylase is uncommon. Severe pancreatic destruction and some lipid disorders can lower it. An isolated low result in a well person is usually left alone.
Same group
Other Pancreas tests
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Amylase
Amylase is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.