Eurofins Biomnis code

AMYD

Clinic 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). Levels return to normal 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, the possibility that a secondary pancreatic reaction is occurring should be considered;- 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 at the renal glomerulus thus resulting in high blood concentrations without concomitant high urine concentrations.This test detects pancreatic juice in the pleural or peritoneal cavities in acute pancreatitis.

Prenalytics

• 1 mL
• Aspiration biopsy
• Refrigerated

Methodology

Chemistry - Spectrophotometry

Turnaround time

2 days