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Amylase, Body Fluid

CPT 82150
Synonyms
  • Cyst Fluid Amylase

Test Details

Methodology

Enzymatic

Result Turnaround Time

1 - 2 days

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Related Documents

Use

Pancreatitis with or without pseudocyst formation or pancreatic pleural fistula is the most common cause of amylase elevation in pleural fluid. Rupture of the esophagus is the second most common group and malignant effusion is the third.1 Other causes include pancreatic ascites and pancreatic duct trauma. Defect in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract (eg, perforated peptic ulcer) will allow pancreatic secretion to enter the peritoneal cavity. Similarly, peritoneal fluid amylase elevations may be found in the presence of necrotic bowel. Peritoneal fluid, containing such amylase, can find its way into a pleural space.

Special Instructions

State source of fluid on the request form (eg, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, synovial, cyst).

Limitations

In collection of ascitic fluid, the localization of the catheter is likely to affect the chemistry result.2 Oxalate or citrate depress results. Lipemic sample may contain inhibitors which falsely depress results. Benign ovarian cyst fluids may have significant amylase activity.

Footnotes

1. Kramer MR, Saldana MJ, Cepero RJ, Pitchenik AE. High amylase levels in neoplasm-related pleural effusion. Ann Intern Med. 1989 Apr 1; 110(7):567-569. 2466431
2. Robert JH, Meyer P, Rohner A. Can serum and peritoneal amylase and lipase determinations help in the early prognosis of acute pancreatitis? Ann Surg. 1986 Feb; 203(2):163-168. 2418796

References

Henry RJ, Chiamori N. Study of the saccharogenic method for the determination of serum and urine amylase. Clin Chem. 1960; 6(5):434-452.

Custom Additional Information

Most patients with pancreatic ascites have high peritoneal fluid amylase as well as amylase elevations in serum and urine. Pancreatitis may present with pleural effusion. Of 34 patients who had high amylase in pleural fluid associated with neoplasms, 18 had carcinoma of lung. Other tumors were gynecologic, gastrointestinal, lymphoma, breast and malignancy of unknown origin.1

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Body fluid (eg, ascitic fluid, pleural fluid, etc)

Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)

Container

Clean container, no preservative

Collection Instructions

Aspirate fluid and transfer to a clean transport tube ASAP.

Stability Requirements

Temperature

Period

Room temperature

14 days

Refrigerated

14 days

Frozen

14 days

Freeze/thaw cycles

Stable x3

Reference Range

• Peritoneal: 88−109 U/L

• Pleural:

− Transudate: Not established

− Exudate: Not established

• Synovial: Not established

The method performance specifications have not been established for this test in body fluid. The test result should be integrated into the clinical context for interpretation.

Storage Instructions

Maintain specimen at room temperature.

Causes for Rejection

Improper labeling

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
088062 Amylase, Body Fluid 1795-4 088062 Amylase, Body Fluid U/L 1795-4
Order Code088062
Order Code NameAmylase, Body Fluid
Order Loinc1795-4
Result Code088062
Result Code NameAmylase, Body Fluid
UofMU/L
Result LOINC1795-4