Have you been asked to do an amylase test? Let's talk about it.

Have you ever had a bad stomach ache and gone to the doctor and been told to do a test called 'amylase'? Or has anyone in your family ever had a similar experience? The name may sound a little scary. But it's actually a very simple test. So, what is this amylase test? Why is it done? Let's talk about it in simple terms.

Simply put, what is amylase?

Amylase is an enzyme in our body. Simply put, an enzyme is a type of protein that helps with various chemical processes in our body. The main function of this amylase enzyme is to help digest the carbohydrates, that is, starches, in the food we eat.

This amylase enzyme is mainly produced in two places in our body:

1. Pancreas: This small organ inside our stomach produces the most amylase.

2. In the salivary glands in the mouth: This amylase is what helps start the digestive process when we take food into our mouths.

Normally, we have very small amounts of amylase in our blood and urine. That's normal. But if this amount is much higher than normal due to some health problem, it's something we need to pay attention to.

Why would a doctor recommend an amylase test?

There are several main reasons why a doctor might order this test. This test is especially recommended if they suspect there is a problem with your pancreas.

See the table below for the main reasons why this test is recommended.

How should I prepare for this test?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions before this test. Following those instructions is very important to get accurate results .

• Fasting: You may be asked to abstain from food or drink for 8 to 12 hours. During this time, you are usually allowed to drink only water.
• Avoid alcohol: You should completely avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours before the test.
• Be aware of the medications you are taking: This is very important. Some medications you are taking can affect your amylase levels. So, be sure to tell your doctor about everything you are taking, whether it is a prescription medication or an over-the-counter medication.

Medications that require special care

If you are using the following medications, be sure to tell your doctor about them.

• Aspirin
• Corticosteroids
• Water pills (Diuretics)
• Painkillers such as Indomethacin
• Opioids are powerful painkillers.
• Birth control pills (Oral contraceptives)

How to do the test

There are two ways to check your amylase levels: a blood test (Serum Amylase) and a urine test (Urine Amylase).

Blood Test

This is just like a blood test you would normally take. It can be completed in just a few minutes.

1. First, a nurse or lab technician will tighten a tourniquet around your arm above the elbow.

2. Then, the area where the blood was taken is cleaned by wiping it with an alcohol swab.

3. Next, a very fine needle is inserted into your vein. You may feel a slight stinging sensation during this time.

4. The required amount of blood is collected into a tube connected to the needle.

5. Finally, the needle is removed and a piece of cotton is placed in the area to hold it in place. Then a small plaster is applied to the area.

Urine Test

Sometimes your doctor will ask you to give a urine sample. It may be a one-time sample, or it may be a urine sample collected over 24 hours. Follow these steps to get a clean sample (clean catch).

1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

2. Then you need to clean your urethra.

• If you are a man: Clean the tip of the penis thoroughly.
• If you are a woman: Clean the skin around the vagina, wiping from front to back .

3. Start urinating, and empty the first few urine streams into the toilet.

4. Then, stop urinating for a moment, hold the special cup provided by the lab under the urine stream, and collect the required amount.

5. Wash your hands thoroughly again after taking the sample.

6. Deliver this cup to the lab as soon as possible.

Are there any risks after the test?

Blood tests are very safe. There are no major risks.

• There may be some bruising or swelling at the puncture site. This will heal on its own in a few days.
• Very rarely, the vein may swell slightly. If this happens, soaking it in hot water can provide relief.
• It is best to avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours after having your blood drawn.

There is no risk in a urine test.

What do the results say?

You can usually get your test report within a day or two.

What are the normal values?

Normal values ​​may vary slightly from lab to lab, but these are generally accepted values:

• Blood sample: Between 30 – 110 U/L (Units per Liter).
• Urine sample: Between 2.6 – 21.2 IU/h (International units per hour).

What if the amylase value is high or low?

If your amylase level is higher or lower than normal, it can indicate a health condition.

• If the value is high: This is most likely due to a problem with your pancreas (e.g., pancreatitis).
• If the value is low: This may be due to a problem with the pancreas, liver, or kidneys, or a condition such as Cystic Fibrosis.

But remember, you can't diagnose any disease by looking at this value alone. Your doctor will come to an accurate conclusion by considering your symptoms, your health history, and the results of other tests. So don't panic when you see the values ​​in the report. Discuss everything with your doctor.

Amylase test, Pancreatitis, Blood tests, Urine tests, Enzymes