Pancreatic Amylase Test

Measuring the level of amylase enzyme in blood serum. Amylase is an enzyme secreted primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands to aid in carbohydrate digestion. When inflammation or damage occurs in the cells of the pancreas (as in acute pancreatitis), large amounts of amylase are released into the bloodstream, causing its level to rise rapidly, making it a sensitive and early diagnostic marker.