Amylase, Serum/Plasma

Amylase catalyses the hydrolytic degradation of polymeric carbohydrates. Two types of amylase exist; salivary and pancreatic. While the latter is almost exclusively secreted by the pancreas, the former is
synthesised in a variety of sites including salivary glands and is found in sweat, milk, amniotic fluid and testes.

Amylase is mainly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of acute pancreatitis. Amylase activity is increased in the inflammatory phase of chronic pancreatitis, salivary gland diseases, pulmonary inflammation, diabetic ketoacidosis, cerebral trauma, renal failure, cancer of the lung and ovary and surgical intervention.

1 ml Serum 1 ml Li-Heparin Plasma Stability: 7 Days at 15-25 °C 1 Month at 2-8 °C

Oxalate and citrate depress results. Lipemic sera may contain inhibitors which falsely depress results.

28-100 U/L