Measurement of serum or plasma amylase activity is usually requested to assist in the differentiation of acute pancreatitis from other acute abdominal disorders. It is an early indicator of acute pancreatitis.
What are the Normal ranges for Serum amylase test?
70-340 U/l
What causes high levels of serum amylase?
Acute pancreatitis
Very high concentrations of serum or plasma amylase (over 1850 U/l) are virtually diagnostic of acute pancreatitis or acute episodes of chronic relapsing
pancreatitis. Read more.
Other conditions giving raised amylase values
Serum or plasma amylase levels of approximately 740–1500 U/l may be due to:
– Renal failure
– Salivary gland obstruction or inflammation such as
with mumps
– Diabetic ketoacidosis
– Opiate drugs and some antiretroviral drugs
– Alcoholism
– Hypothermia
– Ectopic pregnancy
– Almost any acute abdominal emergency, and also cholecystitis, perforated peptic ulcer, or peritonitis.
Falsely raised amylase level
Falsely elevated amylase levels may result if the serum is markedly turbid or the sample has been contaminated with amylase during analysis.
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