Amylase
Category | Biochemistry |
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Test background |
Amylase is produced in the pancreas to facilitate the digestion of starch; its (over)accumulation in the blood might reflect an obstruction in the pancreatic duct secondary to a gallstone or tumour, or may be due to the presence of acute/chronic pancreatitis. |
Clinical Indications |
Pancreatitis-like presentation: severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite or nausea |
Reference range | Blood: 0-90 IU/L |
Sample & container required | SST (gold top) Urine: 24 hour collection |
Sample volume | Blood: 0.5 mL Urine: 24 hour collection |
Turnaround time | Blood: 1 day Urine: 2 days |