Total amylase: enzymatic; pancreatic and salivary amylase: salivary amylase is inhibited by specific antibodies and the remaining pancreatic amylase is determined by an enzymatic, colorimetric method. Salivary amylase is calculated as the difference between the total and pancreatic amylase.

Patients with macroamylase may have elevated pancreatic amylase results. The elevation is due to the higher than normal level of pancreatic amylase in the macroimmune complex. This elevated pancreatic amylase is not diagnostic for pancreatitis, however, measurement of an elevated pancreatic amylase in urine is confirmatory of pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, or pancreatic carcinoma since macroamylases are too large for renal clearance (see Additional Information).

Hemolysis; use of anticoagulants other than lithium heparin (Citrate and fluoride inhibit the assay reaction.)