Amylase - urine
This is a test that measures the amount of amylase in urine. Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is produced mainly in the pancreas and the glands that make saliva.
Amylase may also be measured with a blood test .
How the test is performed
A urine sample is needed. The test may be performed using:
How to prepare for the test
Many medicines can interfere with test results.
- Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test.
- Do not stop or change your medications without talking to your doctor first.
How the test will feel
The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.
Why the test is performed
This test is done to diagnose pancreatitis and other diseases that affect the pancreas.
The normal range is 2.6 to 21.2 international units per hour (IU/h).
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The example above shows the common measurement range for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What abnormal results mean
An increased amount of amylase in the urine is called amylasuria. Increased urine amylase levels may be a sign of:
Decreased amylase levels may be due to:
Forsmark CE. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. . 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 146.
Tenner S, Steinberg WM. Acute pancreatitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. . 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 58.