What is the normal value of serum amylase in pancreatitis?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
After the onset of pancreatitis, serum amylase levels are usually abnormal; therefore, there is no such thing as a normal serum amylase level in the presence of pancreatitis. Under normal health conditions, serum amylase levels vary depending on the testing method used. Since serum amylase generally rises shortly after an episode of pancreatitis, its level can serve as an indicator for diagnosing pancreatitis.
After the onset of pancreatitis, blood amylase levels are usually abnormal; therefore, there is no such thing as a normal blood amylase value in cases of pancreatitis. Under healthy conditions, normal blood amylase values vary depending on the testing method used.
When measured using the enzymatic rate method, the normal range for blood amylase is 20–90 U/L. When the iodine-colorimetric method is used, the reference range falls between 800 and 1800 U/L. Using the BMD method, the normal value for adults under 70 years old is 25–125 U/L, while for those over 70, it ranges from 28 to 119 U/L.
Blood amylase primarily originates from the pancreas, although small amounts may also be secreted by other vital organs such as the duodenum and lungs. Abnormal levels of blood amylase—either too high or too low—are closely associated with pancreatic function. Therefore, pancreatitis typically causes blood amylase levels to rise above the normal range, and severe cases may even lead to hyperamylasemia.
Since blood amylase levels generally increase shortly after the onset of acute pancreatitis, measuring this enzyme can serve as an important indicator for diagnosing the condition.
