Serum Cholinesterase
Alternate Names : Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase, Plasma Cholinesterase, Pseudocholinesterase, RBC (Or Erythrocyte) Cholinesterase
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.
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Why is the Test Performed?
Testing for these enzymes is performed to identify exposure to a group of chemicals known as organophosphates (used as pesticides). These chemicals inactivate cholinesterases, and the level of these enzymes serves as an indicator of exposure and risk of toxicity.
A pseudocholinesterase level is also used, although infrequently, to identify liver disease.
This test may also be performed prior to anesthesia with succinylcholine (a paralyzing agent that is eliminated by these enzymes) to exclude a genetic deficiency of these enzymes. This is often done in individuals who have a family history of a prolonged drug effect during anesthesia.
Succinylcholine is one agent used before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to prevent a full-blown seizure during treatment. Your health care provider can determine your potential response to succinylcholine with this test.
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