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Laboratory Tests

This section provides detailed information on a wide range of laboratory tests relevant to women's medicine

A rapid reference

Amylase

Amylase is an enzyme that splits starch (complex sugar chains) into simple sugars, enabling it to be digested and metabolized.

Amylase is produced in the:

  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Salivary glands
  • Fallopian tubes

Elevations may be found in:

  • Any traumatic injury to any of these structures
  • Any disease affecting one of these structures
  • Pancreatitis
  • Cholecystitis
  • Peritonitis
  • Alcohol poisoning

Decreases may occur in:

  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Severe burns
  • Hepatitis
  • Cirrhosis

Normal Values*

Men 50–150 U/L

Women

 60–180 U/L
Pregnancy 90–350 U/L

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.

 
Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington DC, 20372-5300, USA