Amylase test

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The normal range is 23 to 85 U/L. Some laboratories give a range of 40 to 140 U/L.

Note: U/L = units per liter

Increased amylase levels may indicate:

• Acute pancreatitis
• Cancer of the pancreas , ovaries, or lungs
• Cholecystitis
• Gallbladder attack resulting from disease
• Infection of the salivary glands (such as mumps) or an obstruction
• Intestinal obstruction
• Macroamylasemia
• Pancreatic or bile duct obstruction
• Perforated ulcer
• Tubal pregnancy (may be ruptured)
• Viral gastroenteritis

Decreased amylase levels may indicate:

• Damage to the pancreas
• Kidney disease
• Pancreatic cancer
• Toxemia of pregnancy

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Chronic pancreatitis
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Pancreatic pseudocyst

Review Date: 01/22/2007
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.