Management of Low Serum Amylase Levels

Diagnostic Approach

• When low amylase is detected, measure lipase simultaneously as it provides complementary diagnostic information and is more specific for pancreatic function 1

Important Caveats

• When evaluating pancreatic cysts, amylase levels can be useful but should not be used in isolation; low levels of amylase in cyst fluid may help differentiate certain types of pancreatic cysts (e.g., serous cystadenomas typically have low amylase levels) 2, 3
• Neither CEA nor amylase have been approved by the FDA for biomarker purposes in cyst fluid, so these tests should be regarded as off-label applications 3