What is the Normal Range for Amylase

Posted on: Apr 9, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

What is the Normal Range for Amylase

Amylase is an important enzyme in your body. About 60% of this enzyme is produced in your pancreas and the remaining in your salivary glands. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down the carbohydrates in your foods into simple sugars, making it easy for your body to digest them. An amylase test involves a sample drawn from your blood (mostly) or urine to check the quantity of the amylase enzyme in your body.

Your doctor may recommend this test for you if he suspects problems like pancreatic disorders, overconsumption of alcohol, fibroids, eating disorders, infections, severe abdominal pain and more.

What is the normal range for amylase tests? What should you know before undergoing this test? Here are the answers to these questions.

What is the Normal Range for Amylase

The normal range for amylase varies between laboratories, depending on the testing methodology used. However, most experts consider 30-110 U/L (units per litre) as the normal amylase levels in adults. Some labs consider 40 to 140U/L as the normal amylase levels. However, these levels refer to the amylase in your blood. If you give a urine sample for this test, your amylase levels should be between 2.6 and 21.2 international units per hour (IU/h).

What do abnormal amylase levels indicate?

When your amylase levels are higher than the normal range, it can indicate severe complications like pancreatic inflammations, pancreatic cancers, kidney disorders and other issues with your digestive system. When your amylase levels are lower than the normal range, it can also indicate bone fractures, heart failure, pancreatic scarring, gastrointestinal cancer, etc.

What to Note Before Taking an Amylase Test?

• Let your doctor know about your current medications (prescribed and unprescribed) to see if you need to stop any of these before undergoing the amylase test.

• Follow the fasting requirements.

• Wear loose and comfortable clothes during the test.

• The amylase test is like any other blood or urine test. You will not experience any discomfort during this procedure.

• Bruising and soreness are the common side effects of an amylase test. However, these will not stop you from doing your routine work.

• Usually, your amylase test levels are available within 2 to 3 days.

Conclusion

An amylase test is a good indicator of your pancreatic and digestive health. If your doctor suggests this test, he might have suspected a critical problem in your vital organs. If you haven’t already, invest in an exhaustive health insurance. This may help cover your test and treatment expenses, allowing you to focus on following your doctor’s guidance for a smoother recovery.

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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