Amylase

Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands. It plays a key role in aiding in the digestion of carbohydrates. Amylase is released into the bloodstream when the pancreas becomes inflamed or diseased. Conditions that cause too much amylase in the blood include gallstones, pancreatitis, or tumors of the pancreas. Pancreatic diseases often cause symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite, fever and back or stomach pain.

This blood test is used to help diagnosis pancreas-related issues, such as acute pancreatitis, acute gastrointestinal perforation, and bowel infarction.