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Serum Amylase  40 to 140 units per liter (U/L)  Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is made primarily in the pancreas and the glands that make saliva and can be found at low levels in other parts of the body. When the pancreas is diseased or inflamed, it releases increased amounts of amylase into the blood. Normal Results The normal range is 40 to 140 units per litre (U/L) or 0.38 to 1.42 microkat/L (µkat/L). What Abnormal Results Mean Increased blood amylase levels may occur due to: Acute pancreatitis Cancer of the pancreas, ovaries, or lungs Cholecystitis Infection of the salivary glands (such as mumps) or a blockage of the salivary gland duct Intestinal blockage Macroamylasemia Pancreatic or bile duct blockage Perforated ulcer Tubal pregnancy (may have burst open) Viral hepatitis Decreased amylase level may occur due to: Bone fracture Congestive heart failure Damage to the pancreas with pancreatic scarring Gastrointestinal cancer Pregnancy. Veins Veins have valv