Why do doctors recommend amylase test?

 An amylase test is a medical test that measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine

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. Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates in your food

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. Most of the amylase in your body is made by your pancreas and salivary glands

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. An amylase test is mainly used to diagnose problems with your pancreas, including pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas

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. It is also used to monitor chronic (long-term) pancreatitis

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The test may also detect some digestive tract problems and is sometimes used to monitor the treatment of pancreatic cancer and after the removal of gallstones that have caused gallbladder attacks

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. An amylase test can be done with a blood sample obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm or with a urine sample

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. In certain cases, a test for amylase in peritoneal fluid may be ordered

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To prepare for the test, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions, which may include fasting for eight to 12 hours and avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before the test

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. If your amylase level is high, it might indicate a problem in your pancreas, while a low amylase level may suggest a pancreas, liver, or kidney problem

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medlineplus

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clevelandclinic

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testing

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rochester

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webmd

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mountsinai