Amylase
Alpha-Amylase Test
Test Overview
An amylase test measures the amount of this enzyme in a sample of blood taken from a vein or in a sample of urine.
Normally, only low levels of amylase are found in the blood or urine. However, if the pancreas or salivary glands 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.
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| Author: | Ralph Poore | Last Updated April 30, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
 | Test Overview |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |