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Department

Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

Amylase (blood)

Suitable Specimen Types

  • Serum
  • Li Hep Plasma
100 uL blood (1 x paed Lith Hep tube)

Specimen Transport

Not applicable

Sample Processing in Laboratory

No special transport requirements

Sample Preparation

Centrifuge on arrival

Turnaround Time

1 day

Sample Stability

Store at 4oC.  Samples are stable for seven days at room temperature and 1 month at 4ºC.

 

Amylase (blood)

General Information

Amylase is mainly measured to assess pancreatic function. High acitvity levels are suggestive but not diagnostic of acute pancreatitis.

Patient Preparation

Saliva and sweat contain amylase and care should be taken to avoid contamination.

Notes

No significant interference from haemolysis, icterus or lipaemia.

Reference Range

25-125 IU/L in serum

(Source : Abbott Diagnostics)

Specifications

  • EQA Scheme?: Yes
  • EQA Status:

    UK NEQAS for Clinical Chemistry Scheme