Eurofins Biomnis code

AMY

Specialty

Biochemistry

Clinical significance

A polysaccharide-hydrolyzing enzyme secreted in the pancreas and salivary glands. Markedly increased levels are observed in the following conditions:- acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis: the amount of amylase in the blood rises within 3 to 6 hours of onset, peaking at up to 40 times the normal level (after 20 to 30 hours) with normal levels reestablished within 2 to 8 days. Urine amylase should be assayed in parallel because elimination is via this route. Variations in amylase levels in the urine are similar but delayed by 6 to 12 hours;- chronic pancreatitis and cancer of the pancreas: less dramatic increases than those seen in acute pancreatitis;- parotitis: increases in viral forms (e.g. mumps). If amylase levels continue to increase over the course of the infection, a secondary pancreatic reaction might be occurring;- perforation of a gastrointestinal ulcer, obstruction of the upper intestine, biliary lithiasis, ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, abdominal injury or peritonitis;High blood amylase levels may be due to impaired glomerular filtration leading to reduced renal elimination.Amylase can bind serum glycoproteins (IgG and IgA) to form macroamylase complexes which are retained by the glomerular filter thus resulting in high blood concentrations without concomitant high urine concentrations.

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• serum
•   Reftrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Methodology

Chemistry - Spectrophotometry

Turnaround time

2 days