Amylase and lipase tests are used to distinguish acute appendicitis from acute pancreatitis. Both tests were performed on blood, but can also be tested amylase from urine samples.
This increase indicates a second enzyme thyroid, kidney failure, alcoholic liver disease, or other conditions.
Normal levels of Lab
Normal levels of amylase and lipase may differ from one laboratory to another, but the levels are usually still able to provide an overview of the acceptable range.
Each laboratory will provide their own normal ranges as a reference.
Normal amylase levels generally range from 30 to 100 U / liter in adults, while normal values for lipase is 10-140 U / liter.
Many medications and medical conditions affect the measurement results. Blood thinners, drugs, diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can affect the test so the results are not accurate.
Causes of Increased Amylase
Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common causes of increased amylase. Other causes of increased amylase levels including pancreatic duct obstruction, alcohol use, thyroid, kidney disease, and peptic ulcers.
Amylase levels in acute pancreatitis will begin to rise 2-12 hours after the onset of severe abdominal pain.
Increase in amylase levels up to six times the normal range. The highest increase will occur in the range of 12 to 72 hours, and returned to normal within four days.
Cause of the decrease in amylase
Amylase levels were lower than normal indicate liver damage or pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis.
Causes of Increased Lipase
The pancreas is the only organ in the body that secrete lipase. That's because, lipase levels indicate pancreatic disorders.
Lipase is stored in the tissues of the pancreas and released when there is damage to the pancreas.
High levels of lipase also showed renal failure, because the kidneys secrete lipase. Such as amylase, many drugs that can increase the level of lipase.
Amylase measurements vs. lipase
Amylase and lipase to diagnose pancreatitis usually examined. However, using lipase is considered a more accurate measurement.
But keep in mind that the diagnosis should not be based solely on the examination of these two enzymes alone. Physical examination, medical history, and medication history should also be considered in the diagnosis.
