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Pancreatic amylase in blood and urine
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Pancreatic amylase in blood and urine is an important test that helps to determine, along with other laboratory tests, pancreatitis as the underlying disease, as well as any other abnormalities in the functioning of the pancreas. X-ray, duodenography, ultrasound and FGDS - all this can be prescribed by a doctor along with blood, saliva, and urine tests.
The pancreas secretes up to one liter, and sometimes more, of pancreatic juice every day, which in turn enters the small intestine, the duodenum. This juice contains enzymes that are so necessary for digestion, neutralizing stomach acids and breaking down nutrients to the desired state. While protease works on breaking down proteins, lipase works on fats, amylase successfully copes with carbohydrates.
The pancreatic isoenzyme is called pancreatic amylase, its main part is broken down in the intestinal tract with the help of hydrolyzing trypsin and enters the bloodstream. Since isoamylase molecules are small, they are able to pass filtration in the kidneys, so they can also be found in another environment - in urine.
[ How is pancreatic amylase tested in blood and urine?
The level, any changes in dynamics, and activity of amylase in the bloodstream are assessed using a specific analysis, a detailed biochemical study.
The composition of the blood serum is studied, and the blood itself is given on an empty stomach (on an empty stomach). Amylase contained in the urine is determined by collecting the material throughout the day in a certain way. In the morning, the patient urinates, a portion is immediately poured out. Then the urine is collected at certain intervals throughout the day. Collection begins with the second, cleaner portion and ends with the morning portion, collected the next day.
Pancreatic amylase in blood and urine – normal or pathological?
Since amylase is primarily an enzyme related to digestion, it cannot and should not be in the bloodstream in principle. The presence of amylase in any environment uncharacteristic for it - for example, in urine or in the bloodstream indicates the unfavorable condition of the organs of their pathology, any erosive or other damage provokes the release of amylase, which gets into an uncharacteristic environment. There is a direct relationship between the presence of an enzyme above the norm in the blood and in the urine: the entry of isoenzymes into the bloodstream immediately entails the appearance of "brothers" in the urine. Pancreatic amylase in the blood and urine is the main sign, a marker of the well-being or pathology of many organs, but mainly the pancreas. Any forms, stages of pancreatitis (chronic, acute) entail a change in the activity of pancreatic amylase. It also happens that an increase in the isoenzyme norm indicates mumps or a disease of the salivary glands.
The following ranges of the pancreatic enzyme amylase are considered normal:
- In blood material:
- children under 2 years: 5 - 65 U/l;
- 2 years – 70 years: 25 - 125 U/l;
- over 70 years: 20 - 160 U/L.
- In urine material (daily) - from 1 to 17 units/hour.
What can pancreatic amylase in blood and urine indicate?
Active amylase activity that is outside the normal range can be a marker of the following pathologies:
- All diseases associated with the pancreas.
- Renal pathologies, insufficiency of excretory functions.
- Calculous diseases of the salivary glands.
- Infarction (mesenteric) intestine, ulcerative processes in the intestine.
- Inflammatory processes, including acute ones, in the peritoneum - peritonitis and others.
- Complicated pregnancy, possibly ectopic.
- Complications associated with surgical intervention.
- Complications after transplantation
- Diabetes-associated ketoacidosis;
- Acute form of alcoholism.
It should be taken into account that pancreatic amylase in the blood and urine as the main indicator is quite effective, but the information should be considered in conjunction with all associated factors.
The following situations and conditions may influence the analytical result:
- Taking medications such as corticosteroids, diuretics (furosemide), the entire ibuprofen group, contraceptives, narcotic drugs;
- Increased levels of homocysteine and cholesterol.
It is necessary to consider and take into account that pancreatic amylase in the blood and urine is considered as an informative marker with mandatory consideration of the indicators of total, basic amylase. The combination of atypical activity of total amylase together with a reduced level, a small amount of pancreatic isoenzyme indicates that possible problems with the pancreas (pancreatitis) should be excluded. If such information is received, pancreatic amylase in the blood and urine may be evidence of diseases of the ovaries, bronchopulmonary system or intestines.