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HelpTest Code AMY-O Amylase, Other
Useful For
Aids in distinguishing between pseudocysts and other types of pancreatic cysts when used in conjunction with imaging studies cytology and other pancreatic cyst tumor markers.
If ascites are present, it is occasionally used to demonstrate pancreatic inflammation. If this is true, the level will be at least ten times that of serum.
Synonyms/Keywords
Body Fluid Amylase
Specimen Requirements
| Specimen Type | Preferred Container/Tube | Acceptable Container/Tube | Specimen Volume | Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat) |
Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pancreatic Cyst Fluid / Body Fluid | Body Fluid container | Plastic vial | 300 uL | 100 uL | N/A |
Collection/Processing Instructions
Do not collect the specimen with preservatives or anticoagulants.
Specimens should be centrifuged to remove cells or clots if present.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pancreatic Cyst Fluid / Body Fluid | Ambient | N/A |
| Refrigerated | 7 days | |
| Frozen at -20 deg Celsius | 30 days | |
| Frozen at -70 deg Celsius | > 30 days |
Rejection Criteria
Blood or urine
Interpretations
Measurement of amylase in pancreatic cyst fluids is often used in conjunction with tumor markers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9 as a differential diagnosis of pancreatic cyst lesions. Low levels of amylase are observed to be useful in excluding pancreatic pseudocysts.
Based on evidence available and recommendations by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) practice guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Neoplastic Pancreatic Cysts (Am. J. Gastroenterol. 2007; 102: 2339-2349), a pancreatic cyst fluid amylase concentration < 250 U/L has high specificity to excludes pseudocysts and more consistent with cystic neoplasms (mucinous cystic neoplasm, intra-ductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, serous cystadenomas, cystic neuroendocrine tumor and mucinous cystadenocarcinomas).
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location |
Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Marshfield |
Reference cut-off limits for Amylase for pancreatic cyst fluid and other body fluids have not been established or verified.
|
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Chemistry
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | CNPG3 Rate Assay/Beckman AU |
CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82150 |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82150 |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cerner | Amylase Level Body Fluid |