Medical abbreviation:
AMY
Type:
Blood test
Definition:
Amylase is an enzyme created by your pancreas and salivary glands. Elevated levels of amylase are detected in blood, when the pancreas is damaged.
When would I need this test?
Doctors will usually request this test when a patient presents with severe abdominal pain. The test is used to exclude recent pancreatic damage, typically caused by conditions like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Amylase levels may also be raised when any organ with in the abdomen perforates.
