The amylase test measures amylase in your blood or urine. It helps diagnose pancreatic ailments. Amylase is an enzyme that is needed by your body to digest carbohydrates. An enzyme is a substance produced by living organisms that speeds up a reaction in the body. Amylase test price ranges from Rs 400 to Rs 600 in India. Usually, the Lipase test, another pancreas enzyme, is also recommended along with the amylase test.
Depending on where it is produced, amylase is classified as:
The equation below indicates how it helps in carbohydrate digestion.
Starch + Amylase → Sugar
| Also known as | AMY test, Serum amylase, Urine amylase, Alpha-amylase test |
| Purpose | Disorders of the pancreas like pancreatitis |
| Preparation | Avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before the test. 2 hours of fasting before the test may be needed. |
| Cost | Rs 400 to Rs 600 |
| Reporting time | 8 to 24 hours |
Amylase test price usually depends on diagnostic centre, city and home collection. Generally, its cost ranges from Rs 400 to Rs 600 in India. An amylase test is recommended along with the lipase test, and their combined cost ranges from Rs 700 to Rs 1000.
The table below lists the prices at popular diagnostic centres in India.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Dr Lal Path labs | Rs 450 |
| Metropolis Healthcare | Rs 440 ( City-based ) |
| SRL Diagnostics | Rs 700 |
| Redcliffe Lab | Rs 450 |
| Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 370 |
The table below lists the city-wise amylase test price in India. To get the diagnostic centre-wise cost, click on the city’s name.
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Your doctor will order this test if they suspect something wrong with your pancreas. The symptoms of abnormal amylase level may include-
Serum/ blood amylase levels are raised for a shorter duration of time. In cases of acute pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the pancreas), urine Amylase levels are increased for a longer duration than serum amylase levels. Hence this test is advised along with the serum amylase test or after its positive test results.
Urinary amylase is also helpful in differentiating between Macroamylasemia (presence of macroamylase, which is amylase attached to a protein in the blood) and pseudocyst (false cyst) of the pancreas (pseudocyst is generally formed after an episode of pancreatitis).
In the case of the former only serum levels are raised, whereas, in the latter, urinary levels remain elevated for weeks after an episode of acute pancreatitis.
Lipase Test– Generally, doctors advise a Lipase test and an amylase test together. Lipase is also an enzyme secreted by the pancreas. It aids in the digestion of fats in your body. Its levels are also affected in case of a disorder of the pancreas.
Amylase Isoenzyme Test– Apart from the pancreas and salivary glands, amylase is also produced by the small intestine, ovaries, placenta, liver, and fallopian tubes. Isoenzymes may help to determine the source of higher amylase levels.
Do inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine, both prescription and non-prescription, ayurvedic, etc. Your doctor may advise you to stop the ones that can affect the test results like aspirin, birth control pills, opiates like codeine, morphine, etc. DO NOT stop any medication on your own.
You should avoid consuming alcohol 24 hours before the test. You may also need to fast (not consume food or water) 2 hours before the test.
The precautions mentioned above may also be advised in case of a Urine amylase test.
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. A blood sample is taken from the vein in your arm or hand by the following steps-
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
In case of a urine amylase test, technician will give you a container to collect your urine sample. The container has markings, and you should fill the container to appropriate levels as directed. You are advised to wipe the area clean before you collect the sample.
It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that in any other blood test. These include-
Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.
The urine amylase test has no risks.
Amylase and lipase test are essential for the diagnosis of pancreas disorders. As these enzymes play an important role in the digestion of carbohydrates and fat, their level can impact mainly bodily functions. You can check the amylase test normal range, abnormal levels and their significance.
The normal level of amylase in the blood is between 28-100 Units per liter in adults and 6-65 Units per liter in newborns. The table below list the normal range for blood and urine sample.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Serum amylase | Adults: 28-100 Newborns: 6-65 | U/L |
| Urine amylase | 24-400 2.6-21.2 | U/L International Units/hour |
Below is a sample report of the Amylase test results.
A higher or lower than the normal range indicate abnormal results. However, they may have different significance. We have listed the important indications below.
The positive result also refers to a higher than normal amylase level.
Increased Amylase levels may be indicative of –
Decreased amylase levels may be indicative of –
Amylase activity remains normal in nearly 20% of patients with acute pancreatitis. Amylase levels rise in 80% of cases within 6-48 hours of the onset of acute pancreatitis. However, the levels are not proportional to the severity of the disease.
Another limitation is in patients with high cholesterol levels having acute pancreatitis. They do not show increased amylase levels. This is because triglycerides suppress amylase activity.
The serum amylase test is widely used to diagnose acute pancreatitis and other pancreas disorders. Its levels are also used to monitor existing pancreatic conditions. For this purpose, getting the test done from the same laboratory every time is advisable for better comparison.
We wish you and your loved ones the best in physical and mental health!
The Serum Amylase test’s normal range is between 28 to 100 Units per litre, whereas the Urine amylase test’s normal range is between 24 to 400 Units per litre. Please note that the normal range may vary slightly depending on the diagnostic centre and testing method.
Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause of the high level. However, some common signs indicating high amylase levels are abdominal pain, Nausea, Vomiting, Fever, Loss of appetite, fatigue, Jaundice and Changes in stools.
Amylase and lipase are pancreatic enzymes which help in the digestion of carbohydrates and fat in your body, respectively.
Sources
Amylase – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
Amylase (Blood) – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.
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