Amylase Synovial Fluid
What is this test?
Amylase Synovial Fluid test is used to measure the level of amylase enzyme in your synovial fluid. This test may help in diagnosing any disease of the pancreas or bone joints. Amylase is an enzyme which is secreted by the pancreas along with lipase. These two enzymes help in breakdown and processing food, Amylase is also present in human saliva. An increase in the synovial levels of amylase and lipase is a sign of pancreatic disease/bone disorder.
What are Amylase, Pancreas and Synovial fluid?
Amylase is an enzyme and a special protein which is useful in digestion. This enzyme is produced by the pancreas and the glands that make saliva (salivary glands). The pancreas is an organ present behind your stomach. It produces various enzymes that help in breaking down of food in your intestines. When pancreas function is impaired or if there is an inflammation of pancreas too much or too little of amylase is released into your blood. Thus amylase tests may detect any problems related to the pancreas.
The thick viscous fluid between the bone joints is called as the synovial fluid. The synovial fluid is generally clear and is made up of plasma and proteins which supplies nutrients to the joint structures and also plays a role in lubricating the bone joints to protect them from wear and tear. The contents of the synovial fluid tend to change in case of any disease or disorders of bone, pancreas etc.
Why is this test performed?
This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, pain, and swelling of joints, nausea, and vomiting or upper abdominal pain. This test is also recommended to check existing conditions like acute pancreatitis, eating disorders, pregnancy etc.
Precautions: Some medicines may interfere with the test results like aspirin, birth control pills, opiates, diuretics like furosemide, torsemide, hydrochlorothiazide, etc. Taking alcohol, burns may also affect the test results.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Amylase Synovial Fluid. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Amylase Synovial Fluid.
It is recommended to avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before undergoing this test.
Understanding your test results
If your amylase synovial fluid test results are higher than the normal range then it may indicate the presence of acute pancreatitis, alcohol consumption, cancer of the pancreas, stomach or intestinal ulcers etc.
If your amylase synovial fluid test results are lower than the normal range then it may indicate the presence of Kidney disease, Liver failure, High blood pressure in pregnancy (preeclampsia), Cystic fibrosis etc.
Based on the test results, your doctor may advise you appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests, etc.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | No establishd range. It will be considered positive if > 1100 U/L |