Amylase Test

Amylase is an enzyme found in the pancreas that helps to break down carbohydrates and starches we eat into sugars. This is especially important as these sugars are converted into glucose, which helps to fuel our body. Amylase blood tests measure the amount of amylase in our blood. 

This type of test can be suggested if a doctor suspects that one may have a problem with the pancreas, a blockage in the duct that carries it and other things from the pancreas to the small intestine or even gallstones. Some common symptoms that lead to this test include: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and pain in the abdomen. 

An amylase blood test is also used to help monitor patients with Cystic Fibrosis, a medical condition where thick mucus blocks passages that causes lung infections. During this condition, blood levels of amylase typically increases when there is a mucus block in one of the duct, which causes a problem with digestion.