Amylase
Digestive enzyme from the pancreas and salivary glands that breaks down carbohydrates
Also known as
Definition
Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates. Most of it comes from the pancreas and the salivary glands; small amounts in blood and urine are normal. The level is mainly measured to detect or follow diseases of the pancreas such as acute inflammation. Lipase is often measured as well, as it is considered more accurate for this question.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | U/l (µkat/l) |
| Reference Range | Typically 40–140 U/l (0.67–2.34 µkat/l) in adults. Labs use different methods and therefore differ; the range printed on your report is what counts, and your doctor interprets the result. |
Agree on your personal target range with your doctor.
Conversion: 1 U/l = 0.0167 µkat/l; 1 µkat/l = 60 U/l.
↓ What a low value means
Low levels are uncommon. They can be linked to chronic inflammation of the pancreas that has permanently damaged the enzyme-producing cells, as well as to kidney or liver disease, cystic fibrosis, heart failure or pre-eclampsia in pregnancy. Your doctor interprets the value together with other results.
↑ What a high value means
Raised levels can be linked to acute inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), a blocked pancreatic or bile duct, gallbladder inflammation, salivary gland conditions such as mumps, intestinal blockage, a perforated ulcer or an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. Another cause is macroamylasemia. Some medicines, including opiates, thiazide diuretics and birth control pills, can also raise the measured value. Discuss deviations with your doctor.
When to test
When symptoms could point to the pancreas, such as upper abdominal pain spreading to the back, nausea, vomiting or fever, and to monitor known conditions. No alcohol for 24 hours before the test; sometimes a two-hour fast is required. Tell your practice about your medicines, but do not stop them on your own.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between amylase and lipase? +
Both are digestive enzymes. Amylase comes from the pancreas and the salivary glands; lipase is another enzyme made by the pancreas. Lipase is considered more accurate when pancreatitis is suspected, so both values are often measured together.
Why is amylase sometimes measured in urine? +
Amylase is also found in urine. Changes show up in blood earlier than in urine, so a urine test is often done in addition or afterwards. Because the amount in urine varies over the day, a 24-hour collection may be requested.
Can salivary gland inflammation raise the level? +
Yes. Because a large share of amylase comes from the salivary glands, mumps or a blocked salivary duct, for example, can raise the blood level. A high value therefore does not automatically point to the pancreas.
Do medicines affect the result? +
Yes. Asparaginase, aspirin, birth control pills, opiates such as codeine or morphine, methyldopa and thiazide diuretics, among others, can raise the measured value. Tell your practice what you take and do not stop anything without consulting them.
Amylase
Sources
Last updated: October 05, 2026
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.