Amylase · high result
What does a high Amylase mean?
Short answer
Amylase comes from both the pancreas and the salivary glands, so a high level points to pancreatitis, salivary gland problems (mumps, stones, vomiting), kidney disease that slows clearance, bowel conditions or a benign macroamylase. Lipase is more specific for the pancreas, which is why the two are read together — high amylase with a normal lipase is usually not pancreatic.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When does this result need same-day care?
- High amylase with severe abdominal pain or vomiting — same-day care
What is the normal range for Amylase?
- age 18+: 26.0 – 102 U/L
Often reflects pancreatitis, salivary gland issues, or certain medications.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Amylase biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high Amylase?
- Acute or chronic pancreatitis
- Salivary gland disease: mumps, stones, inflammation, recent vomiting or bulimia
- Chronic kidney disease
- Bowel obstruction or perforation, appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy
- Macroamylasemia (benign), alcohol, some medications
- Ovarian, lung and other tumors (rare)
What symptoms go with high Amylase?
- Abdominal pain with pancreatitis
- Swollen, tender cheeks or jaw with salivary causes
- Often none
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Lipase alongside — the pancreas question is answered by lipase
- Kidney function; repeat
- Abdominal imaging when both enzymes are high with pain
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: Lipase ($21.99).
How do you recheck Amylase?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gut Health Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $129.99 | No | 3–7 business days |
| Amylase | Test | $21.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
High amylase but normal lipase — what does it mean?
The source is probably not the pancreas: salivary glands, kidneys or macroamylase are the usual explanations. A repeat and a look at kidney function usually settle it.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.