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.
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.
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
References
Footnotes
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 Code | 088062 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Amylase, Body Fluid | |||||
| Order Loinc | 1795-4 | |||||
| Result Code | 088062 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Amylase, Body Fluid | |||||
| UofM | U/L | |||||
| Result LOINC | 1795-4 |