Amylase CPT: 82150
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum (preferred) or plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (heparin) tube
Collection
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 1 month |
| Frozen | Not recommended |
| Freeze/thaw/ cycles | Stable x 3 |
Patient Information
Primarily to diagnose and monitor acute pancreatitis; also sometimes to diagnose and monitor chronic pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases.
When you have symptoms of a pancreatic disorder, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, or nausea.
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. Sometimes a random urine sample, a 24-hour urine sample, or peritoneal fluid is collected.
For both a blood test and a urine sample, you should avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test and for the blood test, you may be instructed not eat or drink anything other than water for two hours before blood is drawn. Certain medications can affect amylase levels, so discuss medications with your doctor before testing is done.