This is a test that measures the amount of amylase in urine. Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is produced mainly in the pancreas and the glands that make saliva.

Amylase may also be measured with a blood test. See: Amylase - blood

A urine sample is needed. The test may be performed using a single urine sample or a 24-hour urine collection. For information on how to collect a sample, see:

• Clean catch urine test
• 24-hour urine collection

Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain drugs that can affect test results. Drugs that can increase amylase levels include:

• Asparaginase
• Aspirin
• Pentazocine
• Cholinergic agents
• Corticosteroids
• Indomethacin
• Loop and thiazide diuretics
• Methyldopa
• Codeine
• Morphine
• Birth control pills

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

This test is done to diagnose pancreatitis and other diseases that affect the pancreas. Your doctor may also order this test to see how treatment for such conditions is working.

Images

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Amylase urine test

Next Section

Amylase Results

Review Date: 05/20/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)