Lab test · Gastroenterology
Serum Amylase
Pancreas inflammation check
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Pancreas inflammation check
Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest starch. It is made mainly by the pancreas and the salivary glands. When the pancreas is suddenly inflamed (acute pancreatitis), amylase leaks into the blood and the level rises, so the test is used when someone has severe pain in the upper abdomen.
Why a doctor may order it
- To look for acute pancreatitis when there is severe upper abdominal pain, often spreading to the back, with vomiting
- To check for swelling of the salivary glands, for example from mumps
- To follow up a known pancreas condition
- Together with lipase, which is more specific for the pancreas
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
No fasting or special preparation is needed for this test. Keep taking your usual medicines unless your doctor has told you otherwise, and tell your doctor about any medicines you have started recently.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- A trained collector takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm at home in a few minutes. If you have sudden severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or feel faint, seek urgent medical help instead of waiting for a home test.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
A raised amylase, especially a large rise, supports acute pancreatitis when you have typical symptoms. Smaller rises can come from salivary gland problems, a blocked or perforated bowel, kidney disease, which slows the removal of amylase, and some other conditions. The level does not show how severe pancreatitis is, and it falls back quickly, so it may be normal if the pain started a few days ago. Your doctor will interpret the result with your symptoms, lipase and scans.
What's included
One test: Serum Amylase, from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Serum LipasePancreas inflammation check৳450
- Liver Function Test (LFT)A liver function test is a group of blood tests that show how well your liver is working and whether it is inflamed or damaged.
- Triglycerides (TG)Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the blood.
- Serum CalciumThis test measures the total amount of calcium in your blood.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)A complete blood count looks at the three main types of cells in your blood: red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which help blood to clot.
- Helicobacter pylori Antibody Test (IgG)Stomach ulcer germ (H. pylori)৳750
Questions people ask
Is amylase or lipase better for pancreatitis?
Lipase is more specific to the pancreas and stays raised for longer, so many doctors prefer it. Amylase is still widely used, and the two are often tested together.
Can mumps raise amylase?
Yes. Mumps and other conditions that affect the salivary glands can raise amylase, because these glands also make the enzyme.
Does a very high amylase mean severe pancreatitis?
No. The amylase level helps with diagnosis but does not show how serious the attack is. Doctors judge severity from your condition and other tests.
How much does a Amylase test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳400, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Amylase test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Amylase report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.