Biochemical estimation of the total α-amylase represents in the Czech Republic almost two millions of assessments per year. Estimation of the total α-amylase for the diagnostics of pancreatic diseases has a very low specificity and it is therefore recommended to analyze specific pancreatic enzymes – pancreatic isoenzyme α-amylase and pancreatic lipase. Paper summarizes laboratory and clinical aspects aimed namely on hyperamylasamia.

        Key words: α-amylase, pancreatic isoenzyme, salivary isoenzyme, macroamylase, hyperamylasemia.