Summary
A low amylase level means the enzyme level is below the laboratory’s reference range and maybe linked to chronic pancreatic damage, advanced pancreatic disorders, liver disease, cysticfibrosis or severe malnutrition. Amylase levels can vary by age, test method and sample type, soresults should be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history and other diagnostic tests.
An amylase test helps check the quantity of amylase enzyme in your body. This enzyme is produced mostly in your pancreas and small amounts in your salivary glands. The main duty of the amylase enzyme is to break down carbohydrates into simple sugars to make it easy for your digestive organs.
When your amylase test shows higher or lower levels than the normal range, it can indicate serious issues with your pancreas, digestive organs, kidneys and other vital organs. While higher amylase levels can indicate severe pancreatic inflammations and certain cancers, lower amylase levels can also indicate certain critical issues, as explained in this blog.
An amylase test is done by taking a sample of your blood or urine. This test is also known as serum amylase when taken through a blood sample. The normal range of amylase levels in this type of test is 30 to 118 U/L (for patients under 60 years) and 30 to 151 U/L (for patients aged 60 and above). The unit U/L stands for units per litre.
In the case of a urine sample-based amylase test, the normal range is considered between 2.6 and 21.2 international units per hour (IU/h). When your test shows far lower levels than the minimum range (according to the serum or urine test), it can indicate an issue with your pancreas, livers & kidneys, cystic fibrosis, etc.
A low amylase level is common in patients who are already hospitalised, or receiving glucose, due to chronic pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders. Usually, doctors repeat the amylase test after a couple of hours to confirm the range before proceeding with further treatment. Apart from these conditions, low amylase can also indicate chronic or permanent damage to the amylase-producing cells present in the pancreas and salivary glands.
Certain studies have proved that low serum amylase levels can result in imbalances in the exocrine-endocrine levels in the pancreas, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes in people. Usually, a low amylase level can indicate the following health issues:
chronic pancreatitis, or last stages of pancreatic cancer
Hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.
Failure of several vital organs
Amylase is an enzyme mainly produced by your pancreas and salivary glands. A higher-than-normal level may point to a problem affecting either of these areas, but the result cannot confirm a condition on its own.
High amylase levels are commonly linked to acute pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. They may also occur because of a blocked pancreatic duct, pancreatic pseudocyst or, less commonly, a pancreatic tumour.
An infection or blockage in your salivary glands can also increase amylase. This may occur with conditions such as mumps or inflammation of a salivary gland.
High levels may sometimes be associated with gallbladder inflammation, bile duct blockage, intestinal blockage, a perforated ulcer or macroamylasaemia. Certain medicines can also affect the result.
Your doctor will usually review the result along with your symptoms, medical history and other tests. A lipase test, imaging scan or additional blood tests may be recommended to identify the cause, as amylase alone cannot diagnose pancreatitis or another condition.
Doctors note that low amylase levels are less common than high levels, but they still require the same level of priority and immediate medical attention. Considering the potential costs of tests and treatments for related complications, having a health insurance plan can help manage medical expenses effectively.
High amylase itself may not cause symptoms. You may notice signs of the underlying condition, such as upper abdominal pain that spreads to your back, nausea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite or a fast heartbeat.
Your doctor may recommend an amylase test when you have symptoms of a pancreatic condition, such as severe abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. It may also be used to monitor an existing pancreatic or salivary gland disorder.
The normal range depends on your age, the testing method and the laboratory. For example, one laboratory uses a serum amylase range of 28-100 U/L for adults. Always compare your result with the reference range shown on your test report.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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