Amylase

Understanding Amylase

Amylase is an enzyme, a type of protein, that helps your body break down carbohydrates. The majority of the amylase in your body is made by the pancreas and salivary glands; however, in small amounts, it is also produced by the small intestine, ovaries, placenta, liver, and fallopian tubes. The pancreas releases amylase through the pancreatic duct into the small intestine, where it helps break down dietary carbohydrates.

Amylase is usually present in the blood in small quantities, but when the pancreatic cells are...

What does Amylase measure?

An Amylase test is used to measure the amount of enzyme amylase that is made by the pancreas. This test can be used to monitor your pancreatic health by detecting pancreatitis (an inflammation in the pancreas) and other pancreas-related diseases, such as blockage in pancreatic ducts.