Urinary Amylase

Why this test?

For the diagnosis of acute or chronic pancreatitis, as well as for the detection of other diseases that involve the pancreas in the pathological process. As a rule, urine amylase activity corresponds to blood amylase activity, but increases and decreases with a delay of 6-10 hours. After acute pancreatitis, urine amylase activity can remain elevated for up to 7-10 days, unlike blood amylase, which usually returns to normal after 2-4 days.

To monitor the treatment of cancer affecting the pancreas.

To determine the efficiency of the kidneys (amylase activity in blood and urine is compared).

In what cases is it prescribed?

With symptoms of pancreatic pathology:

• intense pain in the abdomen and back (girdle pain),
• temperature rise,
• loss of appetite
• vomiting

When monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of disorders of the pancreas.

When observing how the activity of amylase increases or decreases in diseases of the pancreas.

Testing preparation 

Follow a standard diet and fluid intake. 

Avoid excessive physical exertion. 

It would be good to conduct research without taking medications (in consultation with the attending physician). 

A single portion of morning urine is taken for the testing.

Test information

Amylase is one of several enzymes that are produced in the pancreas and are part of pancreatic juice. Lipase breaks down fats, proteases - proteins, and amylase - carbohydrates. From the pancreas, pancreatic juice, which contains amylase, enters the duodenum through the pancreatic duct, where it helps digest food. The size of the amylase molecule is so small that it can pass through the kidney barrier and then be excreted in the urine.

Normally, only a small amount of amylase circulates in the bloodstream (due to the restoration of cells of the salivary and pancreatic glands) and enters the urine. When there is damage to the pancreas, as in pancreatitis, or if the pancreatic duct is blocked by a stone or tumor, amylase begins to enter the bloodstream in large amounts and then into the urine.

This enzyme is also secreted by the salivary glands, the ducts of which open into the oral cavity. Therefore, its activity in the urine can increase with pathology of the salivary glands.

Small amounts of amylase are produced in the ovaries, intestines, bronchi and skeletal muscles.