Interpretation
The term “macroamylase” refers to an accumulation of amylase proteins bound in a complex with immunoglobulin. Macroamylasaemia results in benign elevations of plasma amylase and may lead to unnecessary investigations if not identified.
Due to its high molecular weight, macroamylase does not undergo glomerular filtration. Therefore the finding of a low/normal urine amylase in the presence of an elevated plasma amylase may support a diagnosis of macroamylasaemia.
Reference Intervals
Random urine amylase/creatinine ratio: <35 U/mmol
Test Method
Kinetic colour test for the quantitative determination of α-amylase performed on Beckman Coulter AU5822 analysers using Beckman Coulter reagents.
