This is a test that measures the amount of amylase in urine. Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is produced mainly in the pancreas and the glands that make saliva.

Amylase may also be measured with a blood test. See: Amylase - blood

A urine sample is needed. The test may be performed using a single urine sample or a 24-hour urine collection. For information on how to collect a sample, see:

• Clean catch urine test
• 24-hour urine collection

Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain drugs that can affect test results. Drugs that can increase amylase levels include:

• Asparaginase
• Aspirin
• Pentazocine
• Cholinergic agents
• Corticosteroids
• Indomethacin
• Loop and thiazide diuretics
• Methyldopa
• Codeine
• Morphine
• Birth control pills

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

This test is done to diagnose pancreatitis and other diseases that affect the pancreas. Your doctor may also order this test to see how treatment for such conditions is working.

The normal range is 2.6 to 21.2 international units per hour (IU/h).

An increased amount of amylase in the urine is called amylasuria. Increased amylase levels may indicate:

• Acute pancreatitis
• Alcohol consumption
• Cancer of the pancreas, ovaries, or lungs
• Cholecystitis
• Ectopic or ruptured tubal pregnancy
• Gallbladder disease
• Infection of the salivary glands (mumps or an obstruction)
• Intestinal obstruction
• Pancreatic duct obstruction
• Perforated ulcer

• Damage to the pancreas
• Kidney disease
• Pancreatic cancer
• Toxemia of pregnancy

There are no risks.

Owyang C. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 147.