Amylas brist
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The Amylase Blood Test measures the level of amylase, an enzyme primarily produced by the pancreas and salivary glands. This test helps diagnose and monitor conditions related to the pancreas, digestive system, and other health issues.
Blood Test Cost £89
What Is Amylase?
Amylase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down starches into sugars during digestion. It is primarily produced in the pancreas and salivary glands, with smaller amounts also found in other parts of the body. Elevated or decreased levels of amylase can indicate various medical conditions, particularly involving the pancreas.
Why Is the Amylase Test Performed?
This test is commonly ordered to:
- Diagnose pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
- Detect other pancreatic conditions, such as pancreatic tumors or blockages.
- Assess digestive system issues such as infections or blockages.
- Monitor patients with conditions affecting the pancreas or salivary glands.
Symptoms That May Lead to an Amylase Test
Your doctor may recommend an amylase test if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Bloating or digestive discomfort
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin
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A circulating enzyme used as a marker of tissue damage.
Tube
01 (SE) – Serum Gel
ID
Tests&Tubes
Additional information
Amylase is also raised in acute abdominal disorders, biliary tract disease, DKA, renal failure, ruptured ectopic pregnancy, macroamylasaemia, pancreatic pseudocyst, salivary gland inflammation (mumps). If amylase levels remain high for a prolonged period of time consider macroamylasaemia or a pancreatic pseudocyst. A urine amylase/creatinine ratio may be useful in such cases and also for diagnostic purposes when presentation of acute pancreatitis is late.
Turn around
A&E: 1 hour
Day Case: 4 Hours
In-Patient: 6 Hours
Out-Patient: 24 Hours
GP: 24 HoursSend to
Blood Sciences Cross Site
Contact
For further details please contact Leeds Pathology customer services: l[emailprotected].
Collection Con
Intensive care units, renal enhet, transplant enhet, patients on IV heparin use lithium-heparin (Green with Yellow ring) tube. Minimum volume: µl serum / plasma
Instructions for Lab: Store at 2 to 8 C centrifuged prior to analysis if delayed.Sample REQ
Blood
Ref. Range Notes
Blood Sciences
Units
iu/L
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Amylase: An Essential Tool in Healthcare
Understanding our bodies and health is crucial, especially in todays world where health awareness is an ever-growing priority. This article introduces an essential biomolecule, Amylase, and its relevance in our bodies. With roots dating back to the early 20th century, Amylase has played a significant role in the diagnostic landscape of healthcare, providing vital insights into patient health and aiding the management of various conditions. Over the course of this article, we will delve into what Amylase is, why it is important, and how it contributes to modern healthcare.
What are Amylase?
Amylase is a type of enzyme that our body produces mainly in the pancreas and salivary glands. Enzymes are proteins that help speed up or facilitate chemical reactions in the body, with Amylase having a key role in the digestion process.
Amylase specifically targets starches, a type of complex carbohydrate found in many foods like potatoes, bread, and pasta. Its primary function is to break down these starches into smaller, more easily absorbed molecules, effectively kickstarting the process of digestion as soon as you begin to chew your food.
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