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Amylase is an enzyme that splits starch (complex sugar chains) into
simple sugar, enabling it to be digested and metabolized.
Amylase is produced in the:
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Salivary glands
- Fallopian tubes
Elevations may be found in:
- Any traumatic injury to any of these structures.
- Any disease affecting one of these structures.
- Pancreatitis
- Cholecystitis
- Peritonitis
- Alcohol poisoning
Decreases may occur in:
- Pre-eclampsia
- Severe burns
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
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Normal Values*
| Men |
50-150 U/L |
|
Women |
60-180 U/L |
| Pregnancy |
90-350 U/L |
*These are general values taken from a variety of
sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one
type of testing protocol to another.
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Source:
Operational Medicine 2001, Health
Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau
of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington,
D.C., 20372-5300 |