Serum amylase test

SERUM AMYLASE TEST

DESCRIPTION – an amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine. Amylase is an enzyme or special protein, that helps you digest carbohydrates. Most of the amylase in your body is made by your pancreas and salivary glands. A small amount of amylase in your blood and urine is normal

METHODOLOGY – quantitative enzymatic

TURN AROUND TIME – within 24 hours

SPECIMEN REQUIERED –

COLLECT – serum separator or plasma separator tube

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – allow serum to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 ml of serum to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY – ambient: 1 week; refrigerated: 1 month; frozen: 1 month

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – body fluid, urine, specimen containing citrate, oxalate or EDTA

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory