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Test Code LAB4012 AMYLASE

Important Note

Useful for:

  • Diagnosing and monitoring pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases
  • Workup of any intra-abdominal inflammatory event

Additional Codes

Labcorp 001396

Specimen Type

Preferred Sample: Lithium Heparin Plasma (PST, Mint Green Top, Dark Green)
Alternate Sample:  Serum Tube (SST, Gold, Corvac, Tiger, Red Top Tube)

Specimen Volume

Preferred: 1 mL

Minumum: 0.5 mL

Specimen Processing

Centrifuge tube ASAP.

Sample Stability

Room Temp: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days

Frozen: 1 year (-20C)

Clinical Information

Amylase is produced in the pancreas and parotid glands. Typically, levels are low but detectable in serum and urine of normal individuals. Measurement of α-amylase activity is valuable in diagnosing pancreatitis and other pancreatic disorders which can elevate α-amylase activity.

Method

Enzymatic (CNPG3 Substrate)

 

Available α-Amylase in the sample hydrolyzes 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl-α-D-maltotrioside (CNPG3) to release 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol (CPNP) and form 2-chloro-4-nitrophenylα-D-maltoside (CNPG2), glucose, and maltotriose. The rate of CPNP formation can be detected spectrophotometrically at 404 nm to give direct measurement of α-amylase activity in the sample.

Limitations

  • Interferences from medication or endogenous substances may affect results.
  • For urine application, acetic acid (8.5 N) 6.25 mL/dL, hydrochloric acid (6 N) 2.5 mL/dL, nitric acid (6 N) 5.0 mL/dL and sodium carbonate 1.25 g/dL all demonstrated greater than 10% interference
  • An elevation of total serum alpha-amylase does not specifically indicate a pancreatic disorder since the enzyme is produced by the salivary glands, mucosa of the small intestine, ovaries, placenta, liver and the lining of the fallopian tubes
  • Current guidelines and recommendations indicate lipase should be preferred over total and pancreatic amylase for the initial diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and that the assessment should not be repeated over time to monitor disease prognosis

Turnaround Time

STAT: 1 hour
Routine: 4 hours

Reference Ranges

  • Amylase
Age Normal Range
0 to <15 days 3 - 10 U/L
15 days to <13 Weeks 2 - 22 U/L
13 Weeks to <1 Year 3 - 50 U/L
1 to <19 Years 25 - 101 U/L
19 years to <70 years 25 - 125 U/L
70 years and older 20 - 160 U/L

 

Test Schedule

Daily

Test Components

Amylase, U/L.

Measuring Range 4 U/L – 6554 U/L

Reporting Limits

  • Serum, plasma, pleural fluid, and peritoneal fluid: 4 U/L – 13,108 U/L
  • Urine: 4 U/L – 6554 U/L

CPT Codes

82150

LOINC Code

1798-8

IMO Code

IMO-PROC-30983858