Amylase
Testing Information
Sample Type
Serum
Test Codes
630050
CPT Code
82150
Testing Area
Core Lab - Chemistry
Test Methodology
Abbott Alinity - Spectrophotometry
Reference Range
<100 U/LCritical Value: ≥300 U/L
Expected Turnaround Time
Results Available 24 hours from Receipt at the laboratory.
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect one gold top SST tube (minimum whole blood: 4 mL). Let specimen clot for 30-60 minutes and then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate after centrifugation.
Rejection Criteria
Grossly hemolyzed specimens, quantity not sufficient, improperly labeled
Specimen Validity and Retention
Centrifuged SST Tubes:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 7 daysRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 daysFrozen (-20°C or greater): UnacceptableSerum Aliquots:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 7 daysRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 daysFrozen (-20°C or greater): 7 daysSpecimens retained for 7 days after testing
Courier Transportation
Transport centrifuged tube refrigerated (2-8°C)
Clinical Utility
Amylase is used to detect pancreatitis. It is a useful differentiator in patients with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
