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Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry  (METABOLIC)
Test Name:
CHOLINESTERASE, TOTAL ACTIVITY - (S)
Test Code: CEST
Clinical Information:
Total cholinesterase testing is used for assessment of patients with symptoms of acute exposure to organophosphates. Organophosphate-containing insecticides are potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and also cause inhibition of cholinesterase activity. Decreasing or low levels may indicate exposure to organophosphate insecticides if liver disease or an abnormal phenotype have been ruled out.
Serum cholinesterase, also called pseudocholinesterase, is a circulating enzyme also found in liver, pancreas, heart and brain. Its biological role is unknown.
This test is not for occupational monitoring.
If evaluating response to succinylcholine, see Cholinesterase Phenotyping.
 
Alternate names: Total Cholinesterase, Pseudocholinesterase
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:
Serum: 2.0 mL

Plasma is not acceptable for analysis.
Referral:
Requisition:
Reference Values:
620 - 1370 U/L
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.