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Amylase

3004

cpt

normal turn-around time

assays included

specimen type

minimum required

Amyl

82150

24 hours

Amy

Serum or Plasma; Unpreserved Urine

1 mL of serum or plasma; 1 mL unpreserved urine

collection instructions

  • Collect blood in a serum separator tube (SST) or a lithium heparin tube.

  • Allow the blood to clot at room temperature for 30 minutes if using an SST.

  • Centrifuge and separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection.

  • Collect urine sample in a sterile container.

  • Transport the specimen at 2-8°C if not tested within 2 hours.

collection instructions

  • Hemolysis: Red blood cell destruction can affect test results.

  • Clotted Specimen: Plasma specimens must be anticoagulated.

  • Improper Labeling: Specimen must be labeled with at least two patient identifiers.

  • Insufficient Quantity: Volume less than 1 mL may not be sufficient for all tests.

  • Delayed Transportation: Specimens must be processed and tested within the specified time frame to ensure accuracy.

  • Serum or plasma must be separated from cells within 2 hours and kept refrigerated if there is any delay in testing.

  • Lipemia: Excessive fat in the blood can interfere with certain test results

  • Preserved Urine: Chemicals in the urine may interfere

clinical significance

The Amylase test measures the amount of amylase enzyme in the blood, which helps diagnose and monitor diseases of the pancreas. Elevated levels of amylase can indicate conditions such as acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic pseudocyst, and other disorders of the pancreas. Low levels may suggest pancreatic insufficiency or damage to the pancreas.

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