Test code links throughout this Guide refer to the corresponding test in the User's Guide. This colorimetric test is used for the quantitative determination of total a -amylase activity. It measures both salivary and pancreatic amylase. The enzyme enters the circulation from damaged pancreatic acinar cells.
Serum amylase is cleared by the kidneys and can be detected by measuring urinary amylase activity.
Acute non- pancreatic conditions, which may also elevate amylase levels, include acute parotitis, peritonitis, small intestine obstruction, perforated peptic ulcer, rupture of a tubal pregnancy, contraction of the sphincter of Oddi following morphine administration, and mesenteric thrombosis. Renal clearance of amylase is a useful diagnostic concept. In acute pancreatitis, tubular reabsorption of amylase in the kidney is reduced. Burtis CA and Ashwood ER, eds. Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry , 3rd ed.