Amylase is an enzyme, or special protein, produced by your pancreas and salivary glands. The pancreas is an organ located behind your stomach. It creates various enzymes that help break down food in your intestines. An amylase blood test can determine whether you have a disease of the pancreas by measuring the amount of amylase in your body. You may have a disorder affecting the pancreas if the levels of amylase are too low or too high.

Primarily to diagnose and monitor acute pancreatitis and diagnose chronic pancreatitis.