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KEY POINTS
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The amylase test is a blood test. It measures the amount of an enzyme called amylase in your child’s blood. Enzymes are chemicals that help the cells of your child’s body work.
Amylase is made by the pancreas (an organ in the upper belly behind the stomach) and by the glands in your child’s mouth that make saliva. Amylase helps you digest starchy carbohydrates such as bread, corn, and potatoes.
Usually the test is done to check for problems with your child’s pancreas. For example, it may be done to check for pancreatitis, which is swelling and irritation of the pancreas. The pancreas makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon. The digestive enzymes flow into the small intestine to help your child’s body break down food. Insulin and glucagon go into the blood to control the level of glucose (sugar) in your child’s blood.
This test may also be done if the glands in your child’s mouth are swollen or tender due to infection or inflammation.
Your child may need to avoid taking certain medicines before the test because they might affect the test result. Tell your child's healthcare provider about all the medicines and supplements your child takes. Ask your child’s provider before stopping any of your child’s regular medicines.
Talk to your child’s provider if you have any questions about the test.
Having this test will take just a few minutes. A small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your child’s arm with a needle. In younger children, this test can be done with a finger prick or heel stick. The blood is collected in tubes and sent to a lab.
Ask your child’s healthcare provider how and when you will get your child’s test results.
A high level of amylase may be caused by:
A low level of amylase may be caused by:
Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your child’s medical history and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about your child’s result and ask questions such as: