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Amylase
A digestive enzyme of the pancreas and salivary glands; the classic pancreatitis marker.
Other names: AmylaseSection: Blood chemistry
Updated: August 29, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortA common adult reference range is 40–140 U/L. A high value most often points to a problem in the pancreas or the salivary glands.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Adults
40–140 U/L
Normal value ranges vary slightly among laboratories, and some laboratories use different measurement methods. The reference range on your report is the one that applies to your result.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.
What this marker is
Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is made primarily in the pancreas and in the glands that make saliva, with low levels present in other parts of the body. When the pancreas is diseased or inflamed, it releases increased amounts of amylase into the blood, which is what the blood test picks up. Amylase can also be measured in urine.
The blood test is most often used to diagnose or monitor acute pancreatitis — a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It also helps detect some digestive tract problems and salivary gland inflammation, and it is used in the follow-up of chronic pancreatitis and of pancreatic pseudocysts.
The result is reported in units per liter (U/L). How far above the range the value sits, how it moves over the following days, and what the symptoms and other tests show together decide its meaning; the number alone does not make the diagnosis.
Blood is taken from a vein, and no special preparation is needed. Alcohol should be avoided before the test, and the provider may pause medicines that raise amylase — never stop a medicine without asking first.
When it is high
Acute pancreatitisA suddenly inflamed pancreas releases large amounts of amylase. This is the main reason the test is ordered.
Blocked pancreatic or bile ductA blockage in the small ducts that drain the pancreas or the bile ducts traps the enzyme and raises its blood level.
Pancreatic tumorsCancer or a benign tumor of the pancreas can raise amylase; cancers of the ovaries and lungs appear on the list too.
Salivary gland problemsInfection of the salivary glands, such as mumps, or a blocked salivary duct releases the salivary share of amylase.
Other abdominal causesCholecystitis, an intestinal blockage, a perforated ulcer, and viral hepatitis can all raise the level, as can a ruptured tubal pregnancy.
MacroamylasemiaIn this benign finding amylase binds into large complexes that clear slowly, so the blood level stays high without disease.
When it is low
Chronic pancreatitis with permanent damageWhen chronic inflammation has destroyed the cells that make amylase, the level can fall below the range.
Kidney diseaseBecause the kidneys clear amylase from the blood, kidney disease can change the measured level.
Cystic fibrosis and liver diseaseBoth conditions appear among the listed causes of a low amylase.
Pre-eclampsiaThis pregnancy-related form of high blood pressure can be accompanied by low amylase.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
Alcohol before the testAspirin and birth control pillsOpiates and thiazide diuretics
How to prepare
No special preparation is needed, but avoid alcohol before the test. Your provider may ask you to pause medicines that raise amylase — among them aspirin, birth control pills, opiates, methyldopa, and thiazide diuretics. Do not stop any medicine without talking to your provider first.
When a retest makes sense
In suspected acute pancreatitis the level is followed over time, and a urine amylase may be added. A high value is always read together with the symptoms and the other tests.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: your GP or primary care doctor; a gastroenterologist if a pancreatic or digestive disorder is suspected. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: Amy testSerum amylaseAmylase
Units
Measured in: U/L
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
No. Acute pancreatitis is the classic cause, but blocked ducts, salivary gland problems, intestinal blockage, cholecystitis, several medicines, and the benign finding macroamylasemia also raise the level. The symptoms and the rest of the work-up separate them.
Why is amylase measured in urine as well?
Amylase leaves the blood through the kidneys, so the urine level gives a second view of the same enzyme. The provider may order both when investigating pancreatic or abdominal problems.
Which medicines affect amylase?
Medicines that can increase the measurement include asparaginase, aspirin, birth control pills, cholinergic medicines, ethacrynic acid, methyldopa, opiates (codeine, meperidine, morphine), and thiazide diuretics. Give your provider the full list of what you take.
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