Definition of Amylase - urine:

This is a test that measures the amount of amylase in urine. Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is produced mainly in the pancreas and the glands that make saliva.

Amylase may also be measured with a blood test. See: Amylase - blood

How the test is performed:

For this test, you must urinate into a special bag or container every time you use the bathroom for 24-hour period.

• On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you wake up in the morning. Close the container tightly. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
• Urinate into the special container every time you use the bathroom for the next 24 hours.
• On day 2, urinate into the container in the morning again when you wake up.
• Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.

For an infant:

Thoroughly wash the area around the urethra (the hole where urine flows out). Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end). For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. For females, place the bag over the two folds of skin on either side of the vagina (labia). Put a diaper on the baby (over the bag).

The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated. Empty the urine from the bag into the container provided by your doctor.

Because lively infants can cause the bag to move, this procedure may take a couple of attempts. Extra collection bags may be necessary.

When finished, label and return the container as instructed.  

How to prepare for the test:

Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain drugs that can affect test results. Drugs that can increase amylase levels include:

• Asparaginase
• Aspirin
• Pentazocine
• Cholinergic agents
• Corticosteroids
• Indomethacin
• Loop and thiazide diuretics
• Methyldopa
• Codeine
• Morphine
• Birth control pills

How the test will feel:

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

This test is done to diagnose pancreatitis and other diseases that affect the pancreas. Your doctor may also order this test to see how treatment for such conditions is working.