- If your skin or eyes have turned yellow due to jaundice
- loose, oily, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)
Your doctor may also order an amylase test to monitor an existing condition like :
- pancreatitis
- pregnancy
- eating disorder
The Need For An Amylase Blood Test
Amylase is typically measured by testing your blood sample. In some cases, a urine sample may also be used to determine the amount of amylase present in your body.
An amylase blood test is usually done if your doctor suspects that you have pancreatitis. This condition causes inflammation of the pancreas. Amylase levels can also rise due to other pancreatic disorders which may include:
- pancreatic pseudocyst
- pancreatic abscess
- pancreatic cancer
Symptoms may vary for the different diseases, but they typically include the following:
- upper abdominal pain
- loss of appetite
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
Preparations Needed for Amylase Test
There are no special preparations needed for an amylase test. Also, there are no risks of undergoing this test. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the spot from where your blood sample has been drawn.