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Alpha-amylase is an enzyme that breaks down polysaccharides (e.g. starch) into simple sugars, which are then absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (starch produces disaccharide – maltose by breaking the alpha-1,4-glycosidic amylose bond). The main site of alpha-amylase production is the salivary glands (salivary glands) and the pancreas, but also the intestinal mucosa and the mammary glands. Amylase is excreted through the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract.
What is amylase?
Amylase is an enzyme produced, inter alia, by the testes, ovaries, pancreas, salivary glands and the mammary gland. In turn, the most important organs responsible for the excretion of this enzyme from the body are the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract.
Amylase has the ability to break down polysaccharides into simple sugars, which in turn are absorbed by the digestive tract. Her examination is most often used in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases. Determination of blood amylase is performed by taking blood from a vein in the arm. Remember that you must be fasting (at least 8 hours) before the test.
See also: Urine amylase – when to test, test
When do we do alpha amylase testing?
The most important indications for alpha-amylase testing are listed below.
1. Suspicion of acute pancreatitis (due to alcohol abuse or gallbladder stones), and the presence of symptoms such as: severe abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea, after a dietary error (a large meal with high fat content, alcohol abuse).
2. Suspicion of chronic pancreatitis, as well as in the case of long-term pain associated with weight loss, fatty diarrhea and alcohol abuse or gallstone disease.
3. Diseases of the salivary glands (inflammation or neoplasm leading to obstruction of the salivary duct while enlarging the salivary gland).
4. Dangerous ailments of the abdominal cavity (if gastrointestinal secretions are suspected to enter the peritoneal cavity – perforation, perforation of the stomach, duodenum or intestine, and intestinal obstruction or ischemic changes in the intestines).
Control your pancreas preventively by performing Pancreatic Tests – a package of blood tests. You will specify amylase, CA 19-9 and lipase, which are responsible for the health of the pancreas. As part of the package, you can use home blood donation.
You can also test amylase in the package of preventive blood tests in the maximum variant, which is available on Medonet Market at a favorable price.
we recommend: How and when is it worth examining the pancreas?
Preparation for alpha-amylase testing
Material for alpha-amylase testing: serum (collection of material into a vacuum tube) from the most visible ulnar vein. In children, blood is drawn through a small incision in the skin with a lancet. Received samples are sent further for analysis.
Preparation for alpha-amylase testing: on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours). Before the test, do not drink alcohol or take any medications that could falsify the result (consult your doctor).
The course of the alpha-amylase test: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm.
Waiting time for the alpha-amylase result: 1 Day.
Norma alfa-amylase: activity of 60-160 units.
Comments: Some physiological conditions are associated with an elevated concentration of amylase (macroamylasemia – there are large particles of amylase in the plasma, which are slowly excreted through the kidneys).
Amylase – interpretation of results
Acute pancreatitis is diagnosed when the level of amylase in the blood significantly exceeds 1150 U / l. The concentration of amylase in the blood in the range of 575-1150 U / l may suggest:
- bowel obstruction,
- peritonitis,
- inflammation of the gallbladder,
- gallstones,
- chronic pancreatitis,
- acute nephritis,
- pancreatic duct stones,
- perforation of a stomach or duodenal ulcer,
- ketoacidosis.
In turn, in people in which the concentration of this enzyme is within the range of 115-575 U / l it is suspected:
- methanol poisoning,
- piggy
- salivary duct stones,
- alcoholism (consuming large amounts of ethanol),
- treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy,
- consuming drugs, e.g. heroin, morphine, codeine.
In addition to the abovementioned possibilities, it should also be mentioned that a high level of amylase may indicate, for example, an ectopic pregnancy. High levels are also observed in patients with malignant tumors (liver, colon, thyroid, ovary, prostate).
Note: A certain group of people is diagnosed with congenital, unrelated to disease, the so-called macroamylasemia. Then, in the blood of sick people, a constantly elevated level of amylase is visible, while its level in the urine is not abnormal.
Macroamylasemia occurs when amylase molecules bind together and thus create larger (large) amylase molecules, which are responsible for its growth in the blood. Their size is so large that they cannot pass through the kidneys and end up in the urine.
Find out more: Pancreatic profile – lipase, amylase, ALP, glucose. When to do them?
What does the low level of alpha amylase in the blood show?
Low levels of this enzyme in the blood may mean:
- liver damage as a result of: pregnancy poisoning, drug poisoning, extensive burns, hepatitis, severe thyrotoxicosis;
- taking a specific group of drugs, such as oxalates and citrates;
- severe damage to the pancreas (necrosis) – caused by chronic pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis.
What does the elevated level of alpha amylase in the blood show?
If the level of this drug has increased and this information results from private laboratory tests, please inform your doctor. If the elevated level is not accompanied by any unpleasant symptoms or complaints, the test should probably be repeated.
In a situation where the test was ordered by a doctor and the reason were the clinical symptoms, if the result turns out to be incorrect, the ordering doctor will decide on further steps.
Sometimes it will be necessary to perform additional tests, such as ultrasound of the abdominal cavity or computed tomography. In these types of situations, the patient is always treated, not the laboratory result. For example, in a situation where pancreatic disease is confirmed, causal treatment will be required. In addition, perhaps surgical treatment will be applied, but everything will depend on the general condition of the sick person.
Do drugs affect alpha amylase levels?
As specialists point out, drugs are able to influence and increase alpha-amylase levels. Such drugs include: diuretics, corticosteroids, aspirin, oral contraceptives, indomethacin and opiates.
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