Amylase - urine

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Intestinal Obstruction
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Amylase urine test

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Acute cholecystitis
Acute pancreatitis
Alcohol use
Bile duct obstruction
Ectopic pregnancy
Enzyme
Intestinal obstruction
Kidney disease
Mumps
Pancreatic carcinoma
Peptic ulcer
Preeclampsia
This is a test that measures the amount of amylase in urine. Amylase is an enzyme that helps
digest carbohydrates. It is produced mainly in the pancreas and the glands that make saliva.
Amylase may also be measured with a blood test. See: Amylase - blood

How the Test is Performed

A urine sample is needed. The test may be performed using a single urine sample or a 24-hour
urine collection. For information on how to collect a sample, see:

Clean catch urine test

24-hour urine collection

How to Prepare for the Test

Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain drugs that can affect test results.
Drugs that can increase amylase levels include:

Asparaginase

Aspirin

Pentazocine

Cholinergic agents

Corticosteroids

Indomethacin

Loop and thiazide diuretics

Methyldopa

Codeine

Morphine

Birth control pills

How the Test Will Feel

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to diagnose pancreatitis and other diseases that affect the pancreas. Your doctor
may also order this test to see how treatment for such conditions is working.

Normal Results
The normal range is 2.6 to 21.2 international units per hour (IU/h).
What Abnormal Results Mean
An increased amount of amylase in the urine is called amylasuria. Increased amylase levels may
indicate:

Acute pancreatitis

Alcohol consumption

Cancer of the pancreas, ovaries, or lungs

Cholecystitis

Ectopic or ruptured tubal pregnancy

Gallbladder disease

Infection of the salivary glands (mumps or an obstruction)

Intestinal obstruction

Pancreatic duct obstruction

Perforated ulcer

Decreased amylase levels may be due to:

Damage to the pancreas

Kidney disease

Pancreatic cancer

Toxemia of pregnancy