Amylase Urine Test

Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-21 (EDT)

See Also	Lab Tests

Amylase is an enzyme in the intestine that helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates to their component simple sugars. It is secreted from pancreatic acinar cells into the pancreatic duct and then into the duodenum. Since amylase is normally cleared by the kidneys, disorders that affect the pancreas cause elevated amylase levels in the urine. Levels of amylase in the urine remain elevated 5 to 7 days following the onset of disease, in comparison to serum levels of amylase, which return to normal after 1 to 2 days following resolution of the acute phase of disease. This is important in identifying patients with pancreatitis who have had symptoms for 3 days or longer.,

Discussion

• Urine amylase is sensitive but not specific for pancreatic disorders.
• As urine amylase levels rise later than blood amylase levels, several days after the onset of a disease, serum amylase levels may be normal while urine levels are significantly high.
• Urine amylase concentration is useful in detecting pancreatitis during the latter stages of the disease.

Patient Preparation

• No fasting is required
• The exact times of urine collection will be recorded

Interfering Factors

• Factors which cause increased levels:

• Drugs: aminoglycocylic acid, aspirin, azathioprine, corticosteroids, dexamethasone, ethyl alcohol, glucocorticoids, iodine-containing contrast media, loop diuretics (e.g. furosemide), methyldopa, narcotic, analgesics, oral contraceptives, and prednisone.

• Factors which cause decreased levels: Intravenous dextrose

• Drugs: citrates, glucose, and oxalates

Clinical Implications

Ranges

High levels indicate:

• Acute pancreatitis
• Chronic relapsing pancreatitis
• Penetrating peptic ulcer into the pancreas
• Gastrointestinal disease
• Acute cholecystitis
• Parotiditis (mumps)
• Ruptured ectopic pregnancy
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Pulmonary infarction
• Post-endoscopic retrograde pancreatography

Low levels indicate:

• None noted

Associated Tests

• Serum amylase, Serum Lipase