Amylase test

Normal values:

The normal range is 23 to 85 U/L. Some laboratories give a range of 40 to 140 U/L.

Note: U/L = units per liter

What abnormal results mean:

Increased amylase levels may indicate:

• acute pancreatitis
• cancer of the pancreas, ovaries, or lungs
• cholecystitis
• ectopic or ruptured tubal pregnancy
• gallbladder attack resulting from disease
• infection of the salivary glands (mumps or an obstruction)
• intestinal obstruction
• macroamylasemia
• pancreatic or bile duct obstruction
• perforated ulcer

Decreased amylase levels may indicate:

• damage to the pancreas
• kidney disease
• pancreatic cancer
• toxemia of pregnancy

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• chronic pancreatitis
• diabetic ketoacidosis
• pancreatic pseudocyst