What does the amylase test indicate for the pancreas?

The amylase test indicates whether the pancreas is damaged or blocked, notes WebMD. If the pancreas is not functioning properly, it releases more of the enzyme amylase into the blood and urine than normal. Amylase stays in the blood for a short time but stays in the urine for days.

Normal amylase levels in the blood for adults 60 or younger are 25 to 125 units per liter, according to WebMD. Normal levels for a 24-hour urine test are 24 to 408 units, and normal results for a two-hour urine test are 2 to 34 units. The normal levels given are only a reference range; it is not uncommon for normal values to vary from lab to lab.