Serum amylase是什麼意思
"Serum amylase" is a medical term referring to a specific enzyme found in the blood, which is used as a biomarker for certain diseases, particularly those affecting the pancreas. Amylase is an enzyme that plays a role in digestion, specifically breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars.
The term "serum" refers to the liquid part of the blood that is obtained after clotting factors have been removed, which means serum amylase specifically refers to the amount of amylase enzyme found in the blood serum.
Elevated serum amylase levels can indicate various conditions, most notably acute pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. Other conditions that can cause increased serum amylase include:
- Gallbladder disease
- Pancreatic cancer
- Certain types of infections
- Injury to the pancreas
- Gastrointestinal disorders
On the other hand, decreased serum amylase levels may be seen in conditions such as:
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Post-surgery
A serum amylase test is a simple blood test that can be used to help diagnose these conditions or to monitor treatment response. However, it's important to note that serum amylase levels can also be affected by factors such as age, gender, and recent meals, so the interpretation of the test results should be done in conjunction with other clinical information and possibly other diagnostic tests.