Description
See Also Amylase, Serum/Plasma
Indications
This test is used postoperatively to differentiate between wound secretions and pancreatic fistula secretions. In pleural fluid, elevated amylase levels are found in pancreatitis, injury of the thoracic duct, leukaemia and primary bronchial carcinoma.
Sample Type, Quantity & Conditions
1 ml Body Fluid Stability: 24 Hours at 15-25 °C 7 Days at 2-8 °C 30 Days at (-15)-(-25) °C
Special Precautions
Draw serum for comparison. Benign ovarian cyst fluids may have significant amylase activity. Avoid lipemic samples. Oxalate and citrate depress results.
Normal Range
Ascitic and pleural fluids amylase activity are identical to, or slightly less than, serum activity.
