What it means
A digestive enzyme that splits starches into sugars. The salivary glands start this in the mouth and the pancreasPAN-kree-usA long, flat gland behind the stomach that makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.pan- allcreas fleshFull entry continues it in the small intestine. When the pancreas is inflamed or its duct is blocked, amylase leaks into the blood and the level rises. It is usually checked together with lipase, which is more specific to the pancreas.
For the nurse
Report a high level along with severe upper belly pain that spreads to the back. Alcohol and some drugs can raise it.
At a glance
| Normal range | About 30–125 U/L [0.5–2.1 µkat/L]; each lab sets its own range. |
|---|---|
| Spanish | amilasa |
| Also written | amylase level, serum amylase |
Related terms
pancreas
A long, flat gland behind the stomach that makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.
gastrointestinal tract
The long tube that food passes through, from the mouth to the anus.