Definition

This is a test that measures the amount of amylase in urine. An increased amount of amylase in the urine is called amylasuria.

Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Amylase urine test

How the test is performed

For this test, you must urinate into a special bag or container every time you use the bathroom for 24-hour period.

• On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you wake up in the morning. Close the container tightly. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
• Urinate into the special container every time you use the bathroom for the next 24 hours.
• On day 2, urinate into the container in the morning again when you wake up.
• Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.

For an infant:

Thoroughly wash the area around the urethra (the hole where urine flows out). Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end). For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. For females, place the bag over the two folds of skin on either side of the vagina (labia). Put a diaper on the baby (over the bag).

The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated. Empty the urine from the bag into the container provided by your doctor.

Because lively infants can cause the bag to move, this procedure may take a couple of attempts. Extra collection bags may be necessary.

When finished, label and return the container as instructed.  

How to prepare for the test

A health care provider will tell you whether or not to discontinue any drugs or activities that may interfere with the test. (See "Special Considerations," below.)

How the test will feel

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

Why the test is performed

Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest glycogen and starch. It is produced mainly in the pancreas and salivary glands. Amylase is normally secreted from the pancreas through the pancreatic duct into the small intestine.

Normal Values

The normal range is 2.6 to 21.2 IU/h (international units per hour)

What abnormal results mean

Increased amylase levels may indicate:

• acute pancreatitis
• cancer of the pancreas, ovaries, or lungs
• cholecystitis
• ectopic or ruptured tubal pregnancy
• gall bladder disease
• infection of the salivary glands (mumps or an obstruction)
• ingestion of alcohol
• intestinal obstruction
• pancreatic duct obstruction
• perforated ulcer

• damage to the pancreas
• kidney disease
• pancreatic cancer
• toxemia of pregnancy

What the risks are

There are no risks.

Special considerations

Drugs that can increase amylase levels include asparaginase, aspirin, cholinergic agents, corticosteroids, indomethacin, loop and thiazide diuretics, methyldopa, codeine, morphine, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), and pentazocine.

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Review Date:5/17/2005
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.