An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine. Amylase is an

enzyme, or special protein, that helps you digest food. Most of your amylase is made in the

pancreas and salivary glands. A small amount of amylase in your blood and urine is normal.

A larger or smaller amount may mean that you have a disorderof the pancreas, an infection,

alcoholism, or another medical condition.High amylase levels are typically a sign of acute

or chronic pancreatitis.