The phadebas amylase test

The Phadebas Amylase Test is intended to simplify the estimation of amylase in biological fluids. Amylase is present in the blood at all times but its concentration is greatly increased in the first 48 hours after the onset of acute pancreatitis. The diagnostic value of serum amylase determination is principally related to this condition. Rises in serum amylase also occur however in peritonitis, superior mesenteric infarction, acute cholecystitis, and other acute abdominal conditions. After the injection of secretin, and more particularly pancreozymin, serum amylase levels rise if the pancreatic duct is blocked by a pancreatic tumour or pancreatic calculus. Serum amylase levels may also be elevated when a parotid duct is blocked. The Phadebas test promises to simplify and increase the reliability of estimation of amylase in biological fluids and to be suitable for both routine and emergency use.