Quantitative determination
Of serum amylase activity
Cellular Biochemistry and
metabolism 1
CLS 331
Dr. Samah Kotb
Lecturer of Biochemistry
2015
Quantitative determination
of
serum amylase activity
Amylase
• Amylase is an enzyme that changes complex
sugars (starches) into simple sugars during
digestion.
• Levels of amylase in the blood can be used to
help diagnose and monitor diseases, such as
diseases of the pancreas and salivary glands,
or to determine whether the intestines have
been damaged.
There are two kinds of amylase
enzymes:
• Alpha-amylase (ptyalin), which is produced by the
salivary glands.This enzyme begins starch digestion
in the mouth and continues to work in the
stomach.
• Pancreatic amylase, which is secreted by the
pancreas into the small intestine. This enzyme
continues the starch digestion process.
• An amylase test measures the amount of this
enzyme in a sample of blood taken from a vein
or in a sample of urine.
• Normally, only low levels of amylase are found
in the blood or urine. But if the pancreas or
salivary glands become damaged or blocked,
more amylase is usually released into the blood
and urine. In the blood, amylase levels rise for
only a short time. In the urine, amylase may
remain high for several days.
• Salivary glands produce saliva, which moistens
the mouth to help a person chew and swallow
food. Saliva also contains substances
(enzymes) that begin the breakdown of food.
There are four pairs of salivary
glands:
• The parotid glands are located between the ear
and the jaw.
• The submandibular glands are located under
the jaw.
• The sublingual glands are located on the floor of
the mouth under the tongue.
• The buccal glands are not shown in this picture.
They are located in the mucous membrane
lining the cheeks and mouth. These glands
produce only a small amount of saliva.
Salivary Glands
Why It Is Done
A test for amylase is done to:
• Find pancreatitis and other pancreatic diseases.
• See if the treatment for pancreatitis and other
pancreatic diseases is working.
• Check swelling and inflammation of the salivary
glands.
How To Prepare
To prepare for an amylase test:
• For a blood test for amylase, do not eat or drink
anything except water for at least 2 hours before
having the test.
• For a 24-hour urine test for amylase, be sure to
drink enough fluids during the test to prevent
dehydration.
• Many medicines may affect the results of this
test.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you
take.
How It Is Done
Blood test
• Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm
to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins
below the band larger so it is easier to put the
needle in the vein.
• Clean the needle site with alcohol.
• Put the needle in the vein.
• Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with
blood.
• Remove the band from your arm when enough
blood is collected.
• Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle
site as the needle is removed.
principle
Reagents
Note:
2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid – MES buffer
Normal Range
Procedure
Calculation
Sample
Clinical significance