Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Fluid Amylase
Fluid Amylase
Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or White topped universal (no additives)
| Test | Fluid Amylase |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | FLAMY |
| Profile | NA |
| Tube type | Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or White topped universal (no additives) |
| Clinical Indication | Amylase measurements in ascitic fluid are used to determine whether an effusion originates from the pancreas or another organ. Measurement in pleural or peritoneal fluid can assist in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in cases of diagnostic uncertainty, and may have some prognostic value. Post-operative measurements of amylase in drain fluid have been used to detect the development of pancreatic fistulae, but remain controversial as amylase can be a normal finding in drain fluid following pancreatic surgery. |
| Specimen Type | Fluid |
| Sample type | Fluid |
| Minimum Volume | 1 mL |
| Special Precautions | Please visually inspect samples before sending for analysis and indicate the site of collection. Samples which are very turbid or thick may be rejected as there is a risk of damage to laboratory equipment |
| Stability | 7 days at room temperature and up to one month at 2-8oC |
| Turnaround Time | Inpatient: 6 hours Outpatient/ GP: 24 hours |
| Laboratory | York and Scarborough |
| Reference Interval | No specific reference ranges are avaiable for fluid samples. Interpret results in light of serum amylase levels and clinical context. Generally, amylase levels above the upper limit of the normal serum range (101 IU/L) are taken to indicate an effusion of pancreatic origin. |
| Limitations | Gross haemolysis may give erroneous results. Laboratory methods are NOT CE-marked or validated for analysis of fluids, and no specific quality control materials are available. ALL results must be interpreted with caution. |
| Notes |
