Other
Pancreatic Amylase
Other
Pancreatic enzyme. Elevated in pancreatitis and pancreatic disease.
VAT-exempt medical service
Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands. It helps the body break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars. When the pancreas becomes diseased or inflamed, it releases increased amounts of amylase into the blood. Measuring pancreas-specific amylase helps distinguish pancreatic causes from salivary gland-related elevations.
This test is used to evaluate pancreatic function and can help detect pancreatitis, pancreatic duct obstruction, or other disorders of the pancreas. It may also be relevant if you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or digestive discomfort. Low serum amylase has been associated with cardiometabolic conditions including obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance.
What a high value can mean
High pancreas amylase has been observed in individuals who exercise regularly and in high-performance endurance athletes, likely linked to improved insulin sensitivity. Elevated values can also indicate pancreatitis, pancreatic duct obstruction, or other pancreatic diseases. Both smoking and fitness significantly impact insulin action, which may partly explain variations in amylase levels.
What a low value can mean
Low serum amylase has been reported in certain cardiometabolic conditions such as obesity, diabetes (regardless of type), metabolic syndrome, and other conditions related to insulin resistance. Persistently low values may warrant further investigation of pancreatic function.
Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the test. Fast (no food or drink except water) for at least 2 hours before the blood draw. Bring valid ID to the sampling clinic.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
Total amylase includes enzymes from both the pancreas and salivary glands. Pancreas-specific amylase isolates the pancreatic component, giving a clearer picture of pancreatic health.
Lipase is generally considered more accurate for diagnosing pancreatitis, especially alcohol-related pancreatitis. The two tests are often ordered together for a more complete assessment.
Low serum amylase has been associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. However, it is not a diagnostic marker for diabetes on its own and should be interpreted alongside glucose and HbA1c tests.