Question 1

What are the causes of increased blood amylase levels?

Accepted Answer

Amylase levels in blood may be increased due to:
·         Acute pancreatitis 
·         Chronic pancreatitis worsening suddenly
·         Pancreas, colon, ovary, breast, or lung cancers
·         Pancreatic tissue damage
·         Pancreatic pseudocysts
·         Abdominal swelling
·         Perforated peptic ulcer in the stomach
·         Intestinal infarction (tissue death)
·         Intestinal blockage
·         Appendicitis
·         Acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder)
·         Ruptured ectopic pregnancy (abnormal pregnancy)
·         Swelling of salivary gland such as Mumps
·         Peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum or abdominal lining)
·         Severe burns
·         Diabetic ketoacidosis
·         Kidney diseases 
·         Drugs like morphine
·         Alcoholism
·         Prostate tumors
·         Eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia
·         Inflammatory bowel diseases
·         Increased triglyceride levels

Question 2

What are the causes of decreased blood amylase levels?

Accepted Answer

Amylase levels in blood may be decreased due to:
·         Preeclampsia of pregnancy
·         Kidney diseases
·         Some cases of acute pancreatitis
·         Liver failure
·         Chronic pancreatitis
·         Congestive heart failure
·         Second and third trimesters of pregnancy
·         Fracture of bones
·         Gastrointestinal cancer

Question 3

What is acute pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Acute pancreatitis is a condition where there is sudden and swift inflammation of the pancreas. The condition is usually severe and may even be life threatening. Acute pancreatitis may be commonly caused by:
·         Autoimmune pancreatitis
·         Gall bladder stones
·         Alcohol
·         Metabolic disorders
·         Trauma and injury in the abdomen
·         Ulcers
·         Cancers
·         Certain drugs
·         Infections

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:
·         Severe pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back
·         Nausea and vomiting
·         Recurrent hiccups
·         Appetite loss
·         Fever with shivering (chills)
·         Improper blood flow
·         Increased heartbeat (tachycardia)
·         Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
·         Peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal walls)

Question 4

What is Macroamylasemia?

Accepted Answer

Macroamylasemia is a condition where an abnormal substance called macroamylase is present in blood. Macroamylase is an abnormal complex of protein and amylase that is not found naturally. Macroamylasemia does not cause specific symptoms, but is found in association with conditions like HIV infection, Celiac disease, Lymphoma, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Blood Amylase Test shows similar results of increased amylase levels for both macroamylasemia and acute pancreatitis. These two conditions can be distinguished by urine amylase test. Levels of amylase in urine are high in acute pancreatitis, but normal in classic macroamylasemia. The reason being, the macroamylase particles (protein-amylase complex) are larger in size than amylase and hence, their filtration through kidneys is slower.

Question 5

Is there any risk associated with this test?

Accepted Answer

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Question 6

Is there any preparation required before the Amylase test?

Accepted Answer

Inform the doctor of any medications you may be taking. Fasting period of two hours is advisable before the test. No other specific preparations are usually required before the Amylase Test.

Question 7

What factors can affect the Amylase test results?

Accepted Answer

The Amylase levels in blood can be affected by a number of factors including:
·         Medications like aspirin, morphine, or estrogen containing drugs
·         Alcohol
·         Pregnancy
·         Recent kidney transplant
·         Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Procedure

Question 8

What additional tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case Amylase test result is not normal?

Accepted Answer

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal Amylase test result are:
·         Urine Amylase Test
·         Lipase Test
·         Amylase to Creatinine Clearance Ratio
·         Liver Function Tests
·         Kidney Function Tests
·         Trypsinogen Test
·         Abdominal CT Scan

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Amylase

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Frequently Asked Questions about Amylase

Q. What are the causes of increased blood amylase levels?

Q. What are the causes of decreased blood amylase levels?

Q. What is acute pancreatitis?

Q. What is Macroamylasemia?

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

Q. Is there any preparation required before the Amylase test?

Q. What factors can affect the Amylase test results?

Q. What additional tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case Amylase test result is not normal?

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