Clinical Lab Handbook

Container/Tube: SST

Alternate Container: Lithium Heparin (Mint), Red Top

Specimen Volume: 5 mL of serum

Collection Instructions: Allow blood to clot for 30 minutes. Spin tube after the 30 minute interval.

Special Handling: Centrifuge specimens and remove the serum or plasma from the cellular material within 4 hours of collection.

The VITROS AMYL Slide is a multilayered, analytical element coated on a polyester support. A drop of patient sample is deposited on the slide and is evenly distributed by the spreading layer to the underlying layers. The spreading layer contains the dyed starch substrate (dye covalently linked to amylopectin) for the reaction. The amylase in the sample catalyzes the hydrolysis of this dyed starch into smaller dyed saccharides. These dyed saccharides diffuse into the underlying reagent layer.

The reflection density of the dyed saccharides in the reagent layer is measured by reflectance spectrophotometry at 2.3 and 5 minutes. The difference in the slide’s reflection density between the two readings is proportional to sample amylase activity.

Amylase is an amylolytic digestive enzyme produced by the exocrine pancreas and salivary glands. Amylase is increased in acute pancreatitis, pancreatic abscess or pseudocyst, pancreatic trauma, amyloidosis, pancreatic neoplasm, commonbile-duct obstruction, and after thoracic surgery. Increased amylase activity may be found in mumps parotitis and renal insufficiency.

30-110 U/L

Monday through Sunday

82150

Amylase is available on the Outpatient test menu

Effective Test Utilization Recommendation Details