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Amylase - urine

Definition

This is a test that measures the amount of amylase in urine. Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is produced mainly in the pancreas and the glands that make saliva.

Amylase may also be measured with a blood test.

How the Test is Performed

A urine sample is needed. The test may be performed using:

• Clean-catch urine test

• 24-hour urine collection

How to Prepare for the Test

Many medicines can interfere with test results.

• Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test.

• Do not stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider first.

How the Test will Feel

The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is sometimes done to help diagnose pancreatitis and other diseases that affect the pancreas.

Normal Results

The normal range is 2.6 to 21.2 international units per hour (IU/h).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

The example above shows the common measurement range for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An increased amount of amylase in the urine is called amylasuria. Increased urine amylase levels may be a sign of:

• Acute pancreatitis

• Alcohol consumption

• Cancer of the pancreas, ovaries, or lungs

• Cholecystitis

• Ectopic or ruptured tubal pregnancy

• Gallbladder disease

• Infection of the salivary glands (called sialoadenitis, may be caused by bacteria, mumps or a blockage)

• Intestinal obstruction

• Pancreatic duct obstruction

• Pelvic inflammatory disease

• Perforated ulcer

Decreased amylase levels may be due to:

• Damage to the pancreas

• Kidney disease

• Macroamylasemia

References

Siddiqi HA, Rabinowitz S, Axiotis CA. Laboratory diagnosis of gastrointestinal and pancreatic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.

Vege SS. Acute pancreatitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 58.

Review Date: 8/20/2023

Reviewed By: Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.