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Metabolism & organs
Amylase test
Pancreatic enzyme that can rise with pancreatitis.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Amylase is an enzyme that helps you digest starches, made mainly by your pancreas (an organ behind your stomach) and your salivary glands. A high level can be one sign that your pancreas is inflamed.
Why it matters for women
Gallstones are more common in women, and pregnancy and medicines that contain estrogen can raise the chances of getting them. Gallstones are one of the most common causes of pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas. Amylase is often checked with lipase, which is more specific to the pancreas.
You might check it if…
- you’ve had pain in your upper belly that keeps coming back
- you’ve had gallstones or pancreatitis before
- a doctor wants to recheck your pancreas
What your result may mean
High Amylase: what it may mean
High amylase may point to acute pancreatitis, inflamed salivary glands (as with mumps) or a bowel blockage (obstruction). Gallstones can be a major trigger for pancreatitis, and they can be more common in women, especially with pregnancy or estrogen medicines. Alcohol, kidney problems and a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy can also raise amylase. Pancreatitis can bring sudden upper belly pain that may spread to the back, along with nausea or vomiting. Because amylase can come from more than one organ, a clinician may check lipase too.
Low Amylase: what it may mean
Low amylase can reflect long-term pancreas damage, severe liver disease or cystic fibrosis. The pancreas damage can follow years of chronic pancreatitis, when the organ can't make enough enzymes. Some people may then notice greasy stools, bloating or weight loss they didn't plan. A slightly low result with no other findings may mean little. Salivary glands can make amylase too, so this test can't speak for the pancreas alone, and a clinician may add lipase, or a stool test to look at pancreas function.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.