This test measures the amount of amylase in blood . It is an easily and rapidly performed blood that is most specific for pancreatitis and other pancreatic disorders. Elevated amylase levels may also indicate nonpancreatic disorders such as bowel perforation, penetrating peptic ulcer, duodenal obstruction, and other conditions. Other causes of rise in amylase level include mumps, diabetic ketoacidosis, biliary tract disease, renal insufficiency, shock, some drugs (particularly narcotics), hypoxia, pelvic infection.