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Liver

Amylase normal range and what a raised value means

Amylase testing provides insight into pancreatic and digestive health. Regular monitoring supports early detection of pancreatic conditions.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Amylase is a digestive enzyme from the pancreas and the salivary glands. For adults up to 50, the upper limit at the laboratories lies between 107 and 119 U/l.

  • In acute pancreatitis the value can reach four to six times normal within 12 hours.
  • A raised value does not always point to the pancreas: reduced kidney function and macroamylase raise it too.
  • Diagnostiek voor U does not measure amylase; a request is converted to lipase there.

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Your reference range
u/l
27 141 u/l
Reference ranges by group, in u/l
6–12 years 30–128 u/l
30 128
13–18 years 28–120 u/l
28 120
19–50 years 28–119 u/l
28 119
51–65 years 27–134 u/l
27 134
66–80 years 27–141 u/l
27 141
81 years and older 27–139 u/l
27 139
27 141 u/l

Source: NVKC Reference population: Dutch general-practice population (NUMBER, n = 7,574,327)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

Amylase: what Dutch laboratories use

The upper limit runs from 107 u/l at Unilabs to 119 u/l at Star-shl.

Reference ranges by group, in u/l
Star-shl · Everyone · 19–50 years 28–119 U/l
28 119
Star-shl · Everyone · 51–65 years 27–134 U/l
27 134
Star-shl · Everyone · 66–80 years 27–141 U/l
27 141
Star-shl · Everyone · 81 years and older 27–139 U/l
27 139
Unilabs · Everyone 0–107 U/l
0 107
Certe · Everyone · 18 years and older · a limit, not a range < 107 U/L
107
0 155.1 u/l

Source: Star-shl

Source: Unilabs

Source: Certe

Each value as the laboratory itself publishes it, retrieved in 2026.

Amylase: what this test measures

This test measures the concentration of amylase in your blood. Amylase breaks down starches into sugars during digestion.

Significant elevations may indicate acute pancreatitis, while persistently low levels can be associated with chronic pancreatic insufficiency.

Amylase: why this value matters

Amylase levels are important for evaluating pancreatic health. Acute pancreatitis typically causes amylase levels to rise significantly within hours of onset.

Monitoring amylase can also help assess the effectiveness of treatment for pancreatic conditions and detect other abdominal disorders.

Amylase: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €16,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Amylase: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing is commonly recommended when pancreatitis is suspected, particularly in the presence of severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.

It may also be ordered to monitor known pancreatic conditions or to evaluate unexplained abdominal symptoms.

Amylase: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Digestive difficulties, particularly with starchy foods
Bloating and gas after meals
Unintended weight loss

High Levels

Severe upper abdominal pain, often radiating to the back
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Rapid pulse
Abdominal tenderness

Amylase: causes of a low or high value

What lowers the value

  • Chronic pancreatitis

    When damage to the pancreas persists, amylase falls gradually after an initial rise.

  • Long-term heavy drinking

    Alcohol can lead to chronic pancreatitis, with falling amylase as a result.

  • Cystic fibrosis

    This inherited condition can cause chronic pancreatitis and so lower amylase.

What raises the value

  • Acute pancreatitis

    Within 12 hours amylase can rise to four to six times the normal level, and after successful treatment it falls within a few days.

  • Gallstones

    Gallstones can raise amylase in the blood.

  • Pancreatic cancer

    Amylase can also be raised in cancer of the pancreas.

  • Reduced kidney function

    Part of the amylase leaves the body through the kidneys, so when they work less well more of it stays in the blood.

  • Macroamylase

    Amylase bound to other proteins is poorly cleared by the kidneys; this is harmless and causes no symptoms.

Amylase: lifestyle and this value

Limit alcohol consumption, as it is a leading cause of pancreatitis. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the digestive burden on the pancreas.

Maintain a low-fat diet if you have pancreatic issues. Stay well hydrated and avoid smoking, which can worsen pancreatic conditions.

Amylase: frequently asked questions

What does high amylase indicate?

Elevated amylase most commonly indicates acute pancreatitis but can also be associated with salivary gland inflammation, bowel obstruction, or other abdominal conditions. Consult your healthcare provider for proper interpretation.

Can diet affect amylase levels?

While diet doesn't directly change blood amylase levels significantly, a high-fat diet can increase the risk of pancreatitis, which elevates amylase. Alcohol consumption is also a major factor.

Is amylase the same as lipase?

No, they are different digestive enzymes. Both are produced by the pancreas but lipase is considered more specific for pancreatic inflammation. They are often tested together for a more complete assessment.

Amylase: sources

  1. den Elzen WPJ, Brouwer N, Thelen MH, Le Cessie S, Haagen I-A, Cobbaert CM. NUMBER: standardized reference intervals in the Netherlands using a 'big data' approach. Clin Chem Lab Med 2018;57(1):42-56. (retrieved 2026) doi.org
  2. Star-shl, Labbepalingen (referentiewaarden per bepaling), star-shl.nl, geraadpleegd 2026-10-01 (retrieved 2026) star-shl.nl
  3. Unilabs, Bepalingenklapper (referentiewaarden per bepaling), bepalingenklapper.nl, geraadpleegd 2026-10-01 (retrieved 2026) bepalingenklapper.nl
  4. Certe, Bepalingenwijzer (referentiewaarden per bepaling), bepalingenwijzer.certe.nl, geraadpleegd 2026-10-01 (retrieved 2026) bepalingenwijzer.certe.nl
  5. NVKC, Alles over testen: Amylase, allesovertesten.nl, geraadpleegd 2026-10-03 (retrieved 2026) allesovertesten.nl

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

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Comprehensive metabolic panel: electrolytes, kidney, liver, glucose, HbA1c, and protein.

Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Albumin ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Total Protein Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect)
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A 46-biomarker heart health panel inspired by the WHOOP Heart Health Panel — an advanced look at cholesterol, lipoproteins, inflammation and kidney function.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) Cystatin C Uric Acid Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
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Medical reviewer

Medical standards

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Medical policy
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Amylase

€16,-