Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry  (METABOLIC)
Test Name:
CHOLINESTERASE PHENOTYPING - (S)
Test Code: CEPT
Clinical Information:
Serum cholinesterase, also called pseudocholinesterase, is a circulating enzyme also found in liver, pancreas, heart and brain. Its biological role is unknown but it does hydrolyze the muscle relaxant succinylcholine. Alterations in cholinesterase activity influence succinylcholine's physiologic effect. In normal individuals the drug dibucaine will almost completely inhibit cholinesterase activity. Individuals  homozygous for an atypical gene controlling cholinesterase have a low level of cholinesterase which is not inhibited by dibucaine. They are unable to hydrolyze succinylcholine rapidly enough and are at risk for prolonged apnea when succinylcholine is administered.
This test is used to identify patients who are homozygous for the atypical gene and at risk for prolonged paralysis following the administration of succinylcholine.
Both total cholinesterase activity and cholinesterase phenotype are included.
 
Alternate names: Cholinesterase Dibucaine Inhibition Test, Pseudocholinesterase Dibucaine Inhibition.

If patient has had recent surgery wait 24 hours post surgery before blood collection.
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:
Serum: 2.0 mL

Plasma is not acceptable for analysis.
Referral:
Serum: 2.0 mL
Requisition:
Reference Values:
A descriptive report will be sent.
Availability:
Within 2 Weeks
See Also:
More Information:
Store and send serum frozen to HSC Clinical Biochemistry - MS5 to be forwarded to In-Common Laboratories for testing.