Amylase Blood Test Australia: Low, High & Optimal Amylase Levels

Amylase blood test: normal range and what your result means

Amylase is an enzyme made in the pancreas and salivary glands that helps your body digest starch. An amylase blood test can help diagnose pancreatitis and salivary gland problems, although lipase is now the more accurate test for pancreatitis. High amylase can point to an inflamed pancreas, salivary gland inflammation, a blockage such as gallstones or reduced kidney function, while a low result is rarely important.

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Vively's health team can help you test Amylase. You start with the Baseline Health Check, then add this test.

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What is Amylase?

Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands that helps break down starches into sugars during digestion, aiding in nutrient absorption.

Why does it matter for long-term health and wellbeing?

Amylase gives a window on the pancreas and salivary glands. In pancreatitis, amylase is often five to ten times normal, but lipase is now preferred for that diagnosis because it is more accurate.

What's an optimal level of Amylase?

Amylase is measured in U/L (units per litre). Reference intervals vary between labs.

Lab Reference Range:

Low: 25 U/L
High: 125 U/L

What influences Amylase levels?

Amylase rises with an inflamed pancreas, salivary gland inflammation, blockages such as gallstones and reduced kidney function. Some medicines and supplements can also affect the result. In a harmless condition called macroamylasaemia, amylase binds to other proteins and reads high.

What does it mean if Amylase is outside the optimal range?

A high amylase result needs review by your doctor to find the cause. A normal result does not rule out pancreatic disease, and long-term or alcohol-related pancreatitis can occur without raising amylase. A low result is rarely important.

How can I support healthy Amylase levels?

No specific diet or exercise plan is known to change amylase. Because chronic pancreatitis is often linked to heavy drinking, keeping alcohol low helps protect your pancreas.

References

Pathology Tests Explained. Amylase. https://ptex.au/ptests.php?q=Amylase
Ismail OZ, Bhayana V. Lipase or amylase for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis? Clinical Biochemistry. 2017;50(18):1275-1280.

Often tested with

Start hereBaseline Health CheckAmylase is added to a Baseline Health Check, which covers 70+ markers in one blood test and is part of the $99 a month membership. The add-on is priced individually.See what’s included In your BaselineAspartate aminotransferase (AST)An enzyme made in the liver, muscles, heart and kidneys In your BaselineAST/ALT ratioCompares AST with ALT, the main liver enzyme (De Ritis ratio)In your BaselineAlkaline phosphatase (ALP)An enzyme linked mainly to the liver and bone

How to get it: Available as one of our specialty add-on tests. Your test referral is issued straight away when you order. See how a blood test without a referral works.

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