Amylase Test Price, Purpose, Preparation & Normal range [2024]
The amylase test measures amylase in your blood or urine. It helps diagnose pancreatic ailments. Amylase is an enzyme that is needed by your body to digest carbohydrates. An enzyme is a substance produced by living organisms that speeds up a reaction in the body. Amylase test price ranges from Rs 400 to Rs 600 in India. Usually, the Lipase test, another pancreas enzyme, is also recommended along with the amylase test.
Depending on where it is produced, amylase is classified as:
- Pancreatic amylase:– Produced by the pancreas, which is a glandular organ located behind the stomach in your abdomen (belly)
- Salivary amylase:-Produced by the salivary glands located in your mouth and throat.
The equation below indicates how it helps in carbohydrate digestion.
Starch + Amylase → Sugar
Test Details in Brief
| Also known as | AMY test, Serum amylase, Urine amylase, Alpha-amylase test |
| Purpose | Disorders of the pancreas like pancreatitis |
| Preparation | Avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before the test. 2 hours of fasting before the test may be needed. |
| Cost | Rs 400 to Rs 600 |
| Reporting time | 8 to 24 hours |
Amylase test Price
Amylase test price usually depends on diagnostic centre, city and home collection. Generally, its cost ranges from Rs 400 to Rs 600 in India. An amylase test is recommended along with the lipase test, and their combined cost ranges from Rs 700 to Rs 1000.
Prices at Popular Diagnostic Centres
The table below lists the prices at popular diagnostic centres in India.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Dr Lal Path labs | Rs 450 |
| Thyrocare | Rs 450 |
| Metropolis Healthcare | Rs 440 ( City-based ) |
| SRL Diagnostics | Rs 700 |
| Redcliffe Lab | Rs 450 |
| Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 370 |
Cost in different cities
The table below lists the city-wise amylase test price in India. To get the diagnostic centre-wise cost, click on the city’s name.
Bookmerilab partners with 100+ diagnostic centres in India. You can get test prices, online booking, free home collection and the best prices.
| City | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs 250 to Rs 550 |
| Mumbai | Rs 300 to Rs 450 |
| Bangalore | Rs 400 to Rs 500 |
| Hyderabad | Rs 200 to Rs 450 |
| Gurgaon | Rs 400 to Rs 600 |
| Chennai | Rs 300 to Rs 400 |
| Kolkata | Rs 300 to Rs 400 |
Purpose of the Amylase test
Your doctor will order this test if they suspect something wrong with your pancreas. The symptoms of abnormal amylase level may include-
- Pain in your abdomen, usually around the naval
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Changes in stools
Urine Amylase test
Serum/ blood amylase levels are raised for a shorter duration of time. In cases of acute pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the pancreas), urine Amylase levels are increased for a longer duration than serum amylase levels. Hence this test is advised along with the serum amylase test or after its positive test results.
Urinary amylase is also helpful in differentiating between Macroamylasemia (presence of macroamylase, which is amylase attached to a protein in the blood) and pseudocyst (false cyst) of the pancreas (pseudocyst is generally formed after an episode of pancreatitis).
In the case of the former only serum levels are raised, whereas, in the latter, urinary levels remain elevated for weeks after an episode of acute pancreatitis.
Other Related Tests-
Lipase Test– Generally, doctors advise a Lipase test and an amylase test together. Lipase is also an enzyme secreted by the pancreas. It aids in the digestion of fats in your body. Its levels are also affected in case of a disorder of the pancreas.
Amylase Isoenzyme Test– Apart from the pancreas and salivary glands, amylase is also produced by the small intestine, ovaries, placenta, liver, and fallopian tubes. Isoenzymes may help to determine the source of higher amylase levels.
Preparation
Do inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine, both prescription and non-prescription, ayurvedic, etc. Your doctor may advise you to stop the ones that can affect the test results like aspirin, birth control pills, opiates like codeine, morphine, etc. DO NOT stop any medication on your own.
You should avoid consuming alcohol 24 hours before the test. You may also need to fast (not consume food or water) 2 hours before the test.
The precautions mentioned above may also be advised in case of a Urine amylase test.
Procedure
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. A blood sample is taken from the vein in your arm or hand by the following steps-
- A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
- The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
- The site is cleaned with spirit.
- A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
- A blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
- Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
- A small band-aid is then placed, which may be removed after an hour.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
In case of a urine amylase test, technician will give you a container to collect your urine sample. The container has markings, and you should fill the container to appropriate levels as directed. You are advised to wipe the area clean before you collect the sample.
Risks
It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that in any other blood test. These include-
- Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
- Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found
- Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
- Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.
Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.
The urine amylase test has no risks.
Amylase test Results and Interpretation
Amylase and lipase test are essential for the diagnosis of pancreas disorders. As these enzymes play an important role in the digestion of carbohydrates and fat, their level can impact mainly bodily functions. You can check the amylase test normal range, abnormal levels and their significance.
Normal levels
The normal level of amylase in the blood is between 28-100 Units per liter in adults and 6-65 Units per liter in newborns. The table below list the normal range for blood and urine sample.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Serum amylase | Adults: 28-100 Newborns: 6-65 | U/L |
| Urine amylase | 24-400 2.6-21.2 | U/L International Units/hour |
Sample Report of Amylase test
Below is a sample report of the Amylase test results.
Abnormal Levels of Amylase
A higher or lower than the normal range indicate abnormal results. However, they may have different significance. We have listed the important indications below.
Higher Levels
The positive result also refers to a higher than normal amylase level.
Increased Amylase levels may be indicative of –
- Acute pancreatitis, i.e. inflammation of the pancreas
- Cholecystitis, i.e. inflammation of the gall bladder
- Blocked intestines
- Pancreatic or bile duct blockage
- Cancer of the pancreas, ovaries, or the lungs
- Severe Gastroenteritis, i.e. inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to bacteria or virus
- Infection of the salivary glands such as parotitis or mumps
- Pancreatic cyst and pseudocyst (not a true cyst)
- Ruptured ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes where the body produces excess blood acids or ketones)
Lower Levels
Decreased amylase levels may be indicative of –
- Extensive marked destruction of the pancreas
- Chronic (long-standing) pancreatitis
- Congestive heart failure (a decreased ability of the heart to pump blood)
- During the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatectomy (surgical removal of the pancreas)
- Liver disease
- Toxaemia of pregnancy or pre-eclampsia (a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, protein in urine and signs of damage to other organs like liver and kidney)
- Bone fractures
- Advanced cystic fibrosis (genetic disease that damages lungs, digestive tract, and other organs)
Amylase test Limitations
Amylase activity remains normal in nearly 20% of patients with acute pancreatitis. Amylase levels rise in 80% of cases within 6-48 hours of the onset of acute pancreatitis. However, the levels are not proportional to the severity of the disease.
Another limitation is in patients with high cholesterol levels having acute pancreatitis. They do not show increased amylase levels. This is because triglycerides suppress amylase activity.
Conclusion
The serum amylase test is widely used to diagnose acute pancreatitis and other pancreas disorders. Its levels are also used to monitor existing pancreatic conditions. For this purpose, getting the test done from the same laboratory every time is advisable for better comparison.
We wish you and your loved ones the best in physical and mental health!
FAQs
The Serum Amylase test’s normal range is between 28 to 100 Units per litre, whereas the Urine amylase test’s normal range is between 24 to 400 Units per litre. Please note that the normal range may vary slightly depending on the diagnostic centre and testing method.
Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause of the high level. However, some common signs indicating high amylase levels are abdominal pain, Nausea, Vomiting, Fever, Loss of appetite, fatigue, Jaundice and Changes in stools.
Amylase and lipase are pancreatic enzymes which help in the digestion of carbohydrates and fat in your body, respectively.
Sources
Amylase – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
Amylase (Blood) – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.