Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Amylase: High Result: What Does It Mean?

High amylase may occur with acute pancreatitis, salivary-gland disorders, pancreatic or bile-duct obstruction and other conditions; lipase provides additional pancreatic context.

Test summary

Test name: Amylase
Abbreviations: AMY
Category: Pancreatic / Digestive Enzymes
Panel: Pancreatic Assessment
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: U/L

What does the test measure?

The Amylase test measures the level of amylase, a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas and salivary glands.

Why is the test ordered?

It is used especially when acute pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders are suspected; amylase and lipase are often interpreted together with clinical findings.

Information about a low result

Low amylase may occur in some chronic pancreatic disorders or when pancreatic function is markedly reduced, but it does not diagnose pancreatic insufficiency by itself.

Information about a high result

High amylase may occur with acute pancreatitis, salivary-gland disorders, pancreatic or bile-duct obstruction and other conditions; lipase provides additional pancreatic context.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit, specimen type and method. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference range 1

>= 40 – <= 140 U/L

Population: Adults / general laboratory example
Age range: 18
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Example serum amylase reference interval

This is sourced reference/clinical-context information and should not be used alone as a diagnosis or treatment decision. The laboratory report, medication use and clinical context take priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Amylase also comes from salivary glands. In suspected pancreatitis, lipase generally provides more pancreas-specific information; results are interpreted with symptoms and imaging.

Related specialties

Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Emergency Medicine
General Surgery

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Amylase Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · Amylase testing and pancreatic/salivary interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Amylase - blood — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical encyclopedia · 2025 · Example 40–140 U/L serum amylase reference interval · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Lipase Tests — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Lipase testing and pancreatic interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026