Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Amylase
Amylase
Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin
| Test | Amylase |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | AMY |
| Profile | NA |
| Tube type | Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin |
| Clinical Indication | Amylase measurement is used in the investigation and monitoring of suspected pancreatitis. Amylase may also be raised in other pancreatic, salivary, gastrointestinal and gynaecological diseases as well as neoplasms and renal failure. Hypoamylasaemia has been seen in advanced cystic fibrosis, severe liver disease and following pancreatectomy. |
| Specimen Type | Blood |
| Sample type | Serum |
| Minimum Volume | 0.5mL If requesting more than 10 tests please send an additional brown clotted serum sample. |
| Special Precautions | No special requirements |
| Stability | 7 days at 2-25°C |
| Turnaround Time | Urgent: 2 hours Inpatient: 4 hours Outpatient/ GP: 24 hours |
| Laboratory | York and Scarborough |
| Reference Interval | < 101 IU/L |
| Limitations | Severe haemolysis, icterus or lipaemia may interfere with measurement and prevent an amylase value from being reported. Serum amylase is also raised in macroamylasaemia. Icodextrin (found in fluid replacement and dialysis fluids) falsely lowers results. |
| Notes |
