Amylase

Amylase is an enzyme that splits starch (complex sugar chains) into simple sugar, enabling it to be digested and metabolized.

Amylase is produced in the:

  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Salivary glands
  • Fallopian tubes

Elevations may be found in:

  • Any traumatic injury to any of these structures. 
  • Any disease affecting one of these structures.
  • Pancreatitis
  • Cholecystitis
  • Peritonitis
  • Alcohol poisoning

Decreases may occur in:

  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Severe burns
  • Hepatitis
  • Cirrhosis

Normal Values*

Men 50-150 U/L

Women

60-180 U/L
Pregnancy 90-350 U/L

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.

 

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
All Rights Reserved