Total alpha-amylase

The alpha amylase analysis provides important information about the pancreatic function and can assist in making an accurate diagnosis. The blood extraction laboratory in Belgrade, IntroLab, recommends alpha-amylase analysis as part of the diagnostics and monitoring of pancreatic diseases, especially acute and sometimes chronic pancreatitis.

Definition of Alpha-amylase

Alpha amylase is an enzyme that breaks down polysaccharides such as glycogen and starch. The highest amounts of this enzyme are found in the pancreas and salivary glands, where they are secreted into the bloodstream. Two types of alpha-amylase can be detected in the blood: pancreatic and salivary. In healthy individuals, the levels of these enzymes are usually similar. However, total amylase analysis cannot differentiate between pancreatic and salivary amylase.

Clinical significance of alpha-amylase analysis

Acute pancreatitis is characterized by an increase in alpha amylase activity in the serum within 2-12 hours after symptom onset, peaking within 12-72 hours, and then normalizing within 3-4 days. This increase in activity can also be reflected in the urine. However, in conditions such as macroamylasemia, the rise in alpha-amylase activity in the serum does not correspond with an increase in activity in the urine.

Additionally, increased alpha-amylase activity can also be observed in other conditions, such as the acute phase of parotitis (inflammation of the salivary glands), salivary duct obstruction, ectopic pregnancy, intestinal obstruction, or infarction.

What does the sampling look like?

Biochemical analyses, including the alpha-amylase analysis, require careful blood extraction from a vein. Medical staff trained in this procedure prepare the patient’s arm, then access the vein with a sterile needle and take a blood sample. Although you may feel a slight prick and pressure during the procedure, it is short, and the resulting sample is carefully marked and prepared for further analysis in the laboratory.

The cost of pancreatic enzyme tests, which includes this analysis, is affordable. However, if you need more information about the prices of the blood biochemical analyses we offer, please feel free to contact us. The staff at IntroLab laboratory will be pleased to answer any inquiries you may have.