Cholinesterase
Cholinesterase
The cholinesterase test looks for signs of chemical poisoning in the blood. Cholinesterase is an enzyme that helps in the normal, smooth functioning of the nervous system. Presence of certain toxic chemicals in the environment can interfere with this enzyme, thereby, affecting the nervous system.
Some of these chemicals include carbamates and organophosphates, which are most often used as insecticides in agricultural fields. Other than this, these toxic chemicals are also found in chemical warfare agents and common household insect sprays. When present in the body, these toxins called cholinesterase inhibitors can affect how you breathe and can cause general muscle weakness. An overdose may prove to be fatal.
Basically, the cholinesterase test looks at levels of two substances in the blood: acetylcholinesterase (found in nerve tissue and red blood cells) and pseudocholinesterase (primarily found in liver). Thus, this test is recommended to see if you have been overexposed to cholinesterase inhibitors through insecticides.
This test is also known as RBC cholinesterase, red cell cholinesterase, true cholinesterase, acetylcholinesterase, PCHE, AChE
Symptoms of overexposure to insecticides
Slow heart rate (Bradycardia)
Chest tightness
Smaller pupils
Frequent urination
Trouble breathing
Blurred vision
Coughing
Vomiting
Diarrhea
What is the Cholinesterase test used for?
Your healthcare provider may order this test under the following conditions
If there is exposure to chemical poisoning
For diagnosis of liver disease
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for the cholinesterase test.
Interpretation of the Test Results
The units of measurement for the results are units per milliliter (U/mL) or kilounits per liter (kU/L).
|
Type |
Value |
|
Cholinesterase |
8-18 U/mL |
Decreased levels of cholinesterase may be due to the following conditions:
· Hereditary deficiency of cholinesterase
· Chronic infection
· Chronic malnutrition
· Heart attack
· Metastasis
· Liver damage
· Obstructive jaundice
· Poisoning from cholinesterase inhibitors
· Inflammation due to some diseases
Smaller decreases in cholinesterase levels could be due to:
· Pregnancy
· Use of birth control pills
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the cholinesterase test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Usually, this procedure does not take more than 5 minutes
Are there any risks associated with this test?
Cholinesterase test involves negligible risks. You may experience slight bruising or pain at the site where the needle was inserted. This usually resolves on its own within a few minutes to a couple of hours
Where is the enzyme cholinesterase produced?
The enzyme cholinesterase is produced within the ribosomes of liver cells and subsequently secreted into the bloodstream
Should everyone be tested for cholinesterase?
No, not everyone requires to be tested for cholinesterase test. This test should be done if the individual or close family member has experienced post-operative paralysis that requires ventilation. Also, if someone has been exposed to organophosphate chemicals in the workplace, this test should be carried out
What factors can influence the test result?
Several factors, including diet, the intake of certain medications like birth control pills and anti-malarial drugs, as well as overall health, can have an impact on the cholinesterase test results
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics