Acetylcholinesterase
Key points
- This is a test for the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (also known as RBC cholinesterase) and pseudocholinesterase (also known as butyrylcholinesterase or plasma cholinesterase) which act to break down acetylcholine, a chemical critical in the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and previous experiences.
- Testing for these enzymes is performed to identify exposure to a group of chemicals known as organophosphates (used as pesticides).
Alternative names
Serum cholinesterase; RBC (or erythrocyte) cholinesterase; Pseudocholinesterase; Plasma cholinesterase; Butyrylcholinesterase
Definition
This is a test for the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (also known as RBC cholinesterase) and pseudocholinesterase (also known as butyrylcholinesterase or plasma cholinesterase) which act to break down acetylcholine, a chemical critical in the transmission of nerve impulses.
Acetylcholinesterase is found in nerve tissue and red blood cells, and pseudocholinesterase is found primarily in the liver.
How the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
The sample is then taken to the laboratory for evaluation.
How to prepare for the test
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and previous experiences. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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