An enzyme that helps digest starch into sugar. In acute abdominal pain amylase can be performed as a STAT procedure to differentiate pancreatitis from other acute abdominal problems. Two isoenzymes for Salivary Pancreatic Pancreatitis is most common reason for increase serum amylase. Serum lipase derives primarily from pancreatic lipase which is secreted into the duodenum and participates in fat digestion. If bile is not present, lipase is ineffective.
Lipase rises later in serum than does amylase so it is secondary test for pancreatitis .
Protamine and IV saline may lead to decreased levels. If patient is ill more than 3 days may be used for acute pancreatitis. Serum amylase levels may return to normal after 3 days but lipase remains elevated for approx. 10 days after onset. May also be used to diagnose pancreatic carcinoma, severe renal disease , acute cholecystitis.