Amylase Fluid Test

Specify Type of Fluid on Sample Container and Test Request Form

Amylase Fluid Test Overview

An amylase fluid test tests the amount of amylase enzyme in your body. This enzyme helps your body break down carbohydrates and is made in your pancreas and salivary glands. The amylase fluid test is used to determine the amylase levels in your blood or urine.

Based on the level of amylase in your pleural or peritoneal fluids, you may be at a risk of certain health conditions. This is because excessive levels of amylase in your system can be a risk factor for certain health issues of your pancreas or salivary glands.

When is an Amylase Fluid Test Prescribed?

An amylase fluid test is prescribed in most cases when doctors suspect that there is some problem with your pancreas. If you have symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, and fever, doctors could order this test to find out the underlying cause. Some of the most common conditions where this test is prescribed are mentioned below.

• Pancreatic disorder
• Esophageal rupture
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic trauma
• Pancreatic Pseudocysts

Components of An Amylase Fluid Test

The normal range of the amylase enzyme in pleural and peritoneal fluid in your body ranges between 0 to 160 units per liter (U/L) or, in some cases, up to 200 U/L. This normal range can differ slightly between different laboratories. Based on your results if they are higher or lower than the normal range, doctors can diagnose certain health conditions. Here is a list of the concerns associated with abnormal amylase fluid test results.

• Higher than normal amylase test results indicate pancreatic disorder, pancreatic tumor, acute pancreatitis, or pancreatic trauma.
• Lower than normal amylase levels in body fluids is not medically concerning in most cases and it is also very rare.

Procedure And Prerequisites

As a blood test, the procedure for this test is standard. Doctors draw the fluid requested on the test using a small needle. The procedure for extracting pleural and peritoneal fluids are different.

It is important for this particular test that you mention the type of fluid you want to test for on the test request form and the sample container. This will ensure that your test is done correctly and the results are accurate as per the doctor’s orders. There are no specific prerequisites for the amylast body fluid test.