Amylase

Description: 
Enzymatic, colorimetric assay for the quantitative determination of α-amylase in human serum and urine.
Clinical details: 
Two types of α-amylases can be distinguished, the pancreatic type (P-type) and the salivary type (S-type). Whereas the P-type can be attributed almost exclusively to the pancreas and is therefore organ-specific, the S-type can originate from a number of sites. As well as appearing in the salivary glands it can also be found in tears, sweat, human milk, amniotic fluid, the lungs, testes and the epithelium of the fallopian tube.
Related condition or disease: 
Alpha-amylase determinations are of importance in pancreatic diagnostics. They are mainly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of acute pancreatitis.
Hyperamylasaemia does not only occur with acute pancreatitis or in the inflammatory phase of chronic pancreatitis, but also in renal failure (reduced glomerular filtration), tumours of the lungs or ovaries, pulmonary inflammation, diseases of the salivary gland, diabetic ketoacidosis, cerebral trauma, surgical interventions, as a result of a variety of drug therapies and due to the presence of macroamylase complexes.
Reference range: 

See Chemistry Reference Ranges Document at Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas'

Synonyms or keywords: 
Alpha-amylase
Units: 
IU/L
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department

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Last updated: 08/11/2021