Pancreatic amylase differs from intestinal amylase, salivary glands and other internal organs with its amino acid sequence and properties. It is these differences that led to the development and use of the most reliable method for diagnosing a disease such as acute pancreatitis. It is carried out by determining pancreatic isoamylase, which is produced in the pancreas. In addition to identifying such a serious disease as pancreatitis, this analysis allows you to determine the presence in the body of a number of other serious diseases.
There are many indications for the appointment of pancreatic amylase analysis. These include:
- cystic fibrosis;
- pathology of the pancreas ;
- abdominal acute pain.
The pancreatic amylase enzyme rises significantly with the occurrence of acute pancreatitis (ten times higher than normal, despite the fact that the maximum activity appears in the initial 12 hours of the disease); mumps (damage to the pancreas); blockage of the ducts of the gland (stones, tumors, adhesions); exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis; postoperative conditions, pancreatic cyst; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, abdominal injuries, peritonitis, chronic alcoholism.
Amylase is reduced in case of pancreatic insufficiency , severe cystic fibrosis and severe liver damage.
Detection of pancreatic amylase in the patient's urine indicates serious pancreatic damage. Data on the amylase content in the analyzes allow a timely diagnosis of the disease and prescribe the necessary treatment to the patient. After the course of treatment, repeated laboratory tests are carried out in order to establish the result of the therapy.
Pancreatic amylase is determined both by analysis of urine and by detecting its concentration in the patient's blood.
Before urinalysis, strict restrictions on the patient's diet are practically not required. For an effective study, you need to provide an average portion of urine (single). Its volume should be at least 20 ml. The temperature of the urine when transferred to the laboratory should not be higher than 8 ° C. At the time of the analysis, it is necessary to find out whether the patient is taking any medications that affect the results of the analysis. The best result can be obtained only if the patient completely refuses to take any medications. During this period, you can not drink any alcoholic beverages. There are a number of substances that affect the results of tests. These include all medications, alcohol, oxalates, citrates, fluorides, EDTA.
Pancreatic amylase is characterized by a certain activity, for which several units of measure are used. Depending on the methods of laboratory analysis, normal values may vary. For each specific case, a certain type of analysis of pancreatic amylase is required.
A blood test for amylase is carried out 8-12 hours after a meal. Violation of this rule can completely distort the research results. During the analysis, the use of juices, tea and coffee is unacceptable. At this time, you can drink only ordinary water. Modern methods of analysis allow you to get an accurate result in just 1 day. There is an even faster express method in which data can be obtained after 3 hours.
The accuracy of the result carried out in compliance with all the requirements of laboratory tests is not in doubt. Thanks to the development of such diagnostic methods, a huge number of people are safely cured of serious diseases, one way or another connected with the functioning of the pancreas.