Pancreas Check

Amylase is an enzyme that is produced in the pancreas and salivary glands and breaks down carbohydrates. The laboratory value measures the amylase concentration in the blood or urine and is used to assess pancreatic function.

An amylase test is recommended for: • People with symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting • Patients suspected of having acute or chronic pancreatitis • Monitoring of patients after pancreatic surgery • Clarification of suspected salivary gland diseases such as mumps

The test serves the diagnosis of diseases of the pancreas, such as acute or chronic pancreatitis, and the clarification of unclear upper abdominal complaints. It also helps in monitoring the course of such diseases.

An elevated amylase value often indicates: • Acute or chronic pancreatitis • Pancreatic tumors • Diseases of the salivary glands such as mumps A low value can occur with severe pancreatic insufficiency or certain medication intake. Symptoms with elevated amylase value: • Severe, belt-shaped abdominal pain • Nausea, vomiting • Fever or general weakness

The testing can be carried out at any time, but is urgently recommended in case of acute symptoms such as abdominal pain.

• Amylase should be measured together with lipase, as lipase is more specific for pancreatic diseases. • Alcohol abuse and certain medications (e.g. diuretics) can influence amylase levels. • Chronic diseases of the pancreas can lead to normal or low amylase levels, despite existing dysfunction.

Lipase is an enzyme that is mainly produced by the pancreas and is responsible for the breakdown of fat. The laboratory value measures the lipase concentration in the blood and is used to assess pancreatic function and diseases.

A lipase test is recommended for: • People with symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting • Patients suspected of having acute or chronic pancreatitis • Monitoring of patients after surgery or with chronic pancreatic diseases • Clarification of unclear upper abdominal complaints

The test serves the diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatic diseases, especially in acute pancreatitis, and the clarification of unclear abdominal pain.

A high lipase value often indicates: • Acute or chronic pancreatitis • Tumors of the pancreas • Diseases of the bile ducts such as gallstones A low value rarely has clinical significance, but can occur in severe pancreatic insufficiency. Symptoms with elevated values can be: • Belt-shaped abdominal pain • Nausea and vomiting

The testing should be carried out in case of acute complaints.

• Lipase is more specific for pancreatic function than amylase, especially in the diagnosis of pancreatitis. • Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or diuretics, can influence lipase levels. • Chronic alcohol dependence often increases the risk of elevated lipase levels.