Pancreas
Amylase blood test
An amylase blood test measures a digestive enzyme made mainly by the pancreas (and salivary glands) to break down carbohydrates. It's used chiefly to assess the pancreas: a markedly high amylase is a classic sign of pancreatitis, and it's often measured alongside the more pancreas-specific lipase.
- What it measures
- Pancreatic amylase, a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme
- Sample
- Venous blood sample
- Fasting
- Not required
- Also known as
- pancreatic amylase
- Included in 57 Health tests
- 1 panel, from £150
Amylase reference range
Guide only| Category | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Adults (guide) | 28–100 U/L |
This panel measures pancreatic amylase specifically. A markedly high result, often three or more times the upper limit, suggests acute pancreatitis, though smaller rises can have other causes. Ranges vary by laboratory, and lipase is usually checked alongside.
These are general UK adult guide ranges from public health sources, shown for orientation only. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, assay, age and sex, so your result is always interpreted against the range quoted by the analysing laboratory on your report.
What does a high amylase level mean?
A high amylase most classically reflects pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), especially when it's several times the upper limit and accompanied by abdominal pain.
Smaller rises can come from other abdominal conditions, salivary gland problems or reduced kidney clearance, so it's interpreted alongside lipase, your symptoms and, where needed, imaging.
What does a low amylase level mean?
A low amylase is usually not significant.
It can occasionally reflect long-standing pancreatic damage with reduced enzyme production, and is interpreted alongside your other results.
When to consider an amylase test
- Upper-abdominal pain, especially with nausea or vomiting
- Monitoring the pancreas on GLP-1 weight-management medication
- Investigating suspected pancreatitis (with lipase)
- Follow-up of a known pancreatic condition
Frequently asked questions
This page is general information about a blood marker and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. An amylase test screens and gives context; results are interpreted by a clinician alongside your symptoms, history and other markers. Always follow the guidance on your own report.