Digestion Tests

Digestion is a process whereby the food you consume is broken down to be used as energy for all the processes in your body. There are many organs, muscles, and tissues involved in the process of digestion and any issues in any of these can cause trouble in the process of digestion. The pancreas is one of the organs involved in the process of digestion; it is located at the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. When the pancreas has trouble or can't function well you might experience discomfort. One of the common tests recommended to diagnose issues related to the pancreas is an Amylase Test. An Amylase Test helps in assessing a pancreatic disorder by the presence of Amylase. A Lipase Test is also a test recommended for assessing issues with the pancreas. You can book a Lipase Test along with an Amylase Test to get a clear diagnosis about issues with the pancreas. These Digestive System Tests can help in diagnosing exactly what issues you might be suffering from so that correct treatment can be administered. In the Amylase Test and Lipase Test, the sample is taken by the phlebotomist by taking a small amount of blood from your vein. The sample is then sent to the lab to perform the test specific to the Stomach Test package you have chosen.

Some general symptoms that people who suffer from issues with pancreas might experience:

• Loss of Appetite
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting

Why Amylase Testing is important?

The pancreas is a highly important organ that performs two critical functions - It secretes fluids to break down the food in the small intestine and aids in metabolizing proteins and fats, the pancreas also produces insulin which helps in carrying the sugar in bloodstream and turning it into energy Hence, the pancreas is highly essential for the functioning of the body because it helps in providing the energy for the body to perform its functions. Amylase is a special protein or an enzyme that gets produced in the pancreas and salivary glands, amylase basically helps in breaking down food and helping digestion. An Amylase Test checks for the levels of amylase in the body. When the pancreas becomes damaged they produce too much or too less of amylase and an Amylase Test can help in checking if your pancreas is functioning normally.

Lipase is another enzyme that the pancreas makes, Lipase is released in the body when you consume something, and it helps the intestines in breaking down the fat in your meal. Lipase is an essential enzyme that helps in maintaining the functioning of your body and optimum levels of energy. A Lipase Test assesses the level of Lipase in the body which can help in gaining an understanding of pancreatic function just like a Serum Amylase Test.

How Amylase Blood Test is performed?

Amylase levels are in imbalance when the pancreas might be damaged or inflamed. Usually, when a Serum Amylase Test is done it is to check for pancreatitis, however, it can also be elevated in case of pancreatic cyst, cancer etc. Your doctor may also order a Lipase Test in conjunction with Amylase Test to make sure of the diagnosis. In an Amylase Test, a small sample of your blood is checked for the amount of amylase.