HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Amylase
Results
An Reference amylase Opens New Window test measures the amount of this Reference enzyme Opens New Window in a sample of blood taken from a vein or in a sample of urine. Many conditions can change amylase levels. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.
Results are normally available within 72 hours.
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
Normal
| Adults age 60 and younger: |
25–125 Reference units per liter (U/L) Opens New Window or 0.4–2.1 microkats/liter (Reference mckat/L Opens New Window) |
|---|---|
| Adults older than age 60: |
24–151 U/L or 0.4–2.5 mckat/L |
| 2-hour urine sample: |
2–34 U or 16–283 nanokats/hour |
|---|---|
| 24-hour urine sample: |
24–408 U or 400–6,800 nanokats/day |
| Normal: |
1%–4% or 0.01–0.04 clearance fraction |
|---|
High values
Values may be high because of:
- Inflammation of the pancreas (Reference pancreatitis Opens New Window), a pancreatic cyst, or cancer of the pancreas.
- Inflammation of the Reference salivary glands Opens New Window, such as Reference mumps Opens New Window.
- Blockage of or severe damage to the intestines (bowel obstruction or strangulation).
- A Reference stomach ulcer Opens New Window that has caused a hole in the stomach wall.
- Gallstones that are causing pancreatitis.
- Reference Diabetic ketoacidosis Opens New Window.
- A ruptured Reference ectopic pregnancy Opens New Window.
- Kidney failure.
- Reference Appendicitis Opens New Window or Reference peritonitis Opens New Window.
- Macroamylasemia, an uncommon and harmless condition in which amylase is bound to a protein in the blood. This condition can cause amylase levels to be either high or low.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
