Amylase Test

Amylase Blood Test - More Information

The amylase test, also known as an amylase lab test and amylase level test, measures the amylase blood level.

Amylase is a digestive enzyme that is primarily found in the pancreas and the salivary glands. Specifically, amylase breaks more complex starches into sugars. High levels of amylase typically suggest pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. In pancreatitis, amylase blood levels start rising six hours after pancreatitis begins and typically subside by seven days. When evaluating possible pancreatitis, amylase levels are often measured in conjunction with the lipase test to help isolate the cause of the amylase spike. Elevated amylase levels can also be seen in bowel obstruction, salivary gland infections and organic or medication-induced problems with the bile duct.

To get an amylase test near you, order online and get your blood drawn at the Quest Diagnostics lab you selected. Once your amylase lab results are ready, they will be electronically available. As can be seen on the amylase sample lab report above, amylase blood levels are reported as a number and can be compared against the reference range provided by the lab.

The amylase test is sometimes ordered in conjunction with the hepatic function test panel.