Alpha-Amylase

• The test requires a blood sample taken from a vein.
• Discontinue food intake 12 hours before the test.
• Avoid physical and emotional stress before the test.

• When the patient shows symptoms of pancreatic disorders:
  • Intense abdominal or back pain (often radiating around the abdomen)
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
• To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for pancreatic diseases.

Alpha-Amylase

Amylase is one of the enzymes involved in digestion. It is synthesized by the salivary glands and the pancreas. While lipase breaks down fats and protease breaks down proteins, amylase is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates. Pancreatic juice containing amylase is released into the duodenum, where it aids in digestion alongside other enzymes.

Normally, only a small amount of amylase circulates in the blood and is excreted in the urine. When the pancreas is damaged (e.g., in pancreatitis) or when the pancreatic duct is obstructed, the levels of amylase in the blood and urine increase.

Preparation

• The test requires a blood sample taken from a vein.
• Discontinue food intake 12 hours before the test.
• Avoid physical and emotional stress before the test.

Indications

• When the patient shows symptoms of pancreatic disorders:
  • Intense abdominal or back pain (often radiating around the abdomen)
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
• To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for pancreatic diseases.

Increased Levels

• Acute pancreatitis
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic trauma
• Pancreatic cancer
• Obstruction of the pancreatic duct
• Perforation of a gastric ulcer
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Mumps
• Acute cholecystitis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Rupture of an aortic aneurysm
• Macroamylasemia

Decreased Levels

• Reduced pancreatic function
• Severe hepatitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pancreatic removal (pancreatectomy)