Cholinesterase, RBC - Ratio to Hemoglobin
Also known as: CHE-RBC
Use
The Cholinesterase, RBC - Ratio to Hemoglobin test is used for determining chronic exposure to organophosphate insecticides. It measures the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme in the red blood cells. This is relevant for diagnosing potential exposure to toxic substances found in insecticides, herbicides, and nerve agents which inhibit cholinesterase activity, leading to clinical symptoms.
Special Instructions
The preferred test for organophosphate insecticide exposure is the Insecticide Exposure Panel (0020175). It is important not to freeze the specimen and to transport whole blood under refrigerated conditions.
Limitations
Frozen specimens, clotted or hemolyzed specimens, and specimens in green tubes (sodium or lithium heparin) are unacceptable. The test is performed using a quantitative enzymatic assay, which means it may not detect minor variations in cholinesterase activity that do not reach significant clinical levels. Moreover, stability constraints necessitate quick processing upon receipt due to degradation risk in non-optimal temperatures.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 49231-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Lavender (EDTA) or pink (K2EDTA) tubes
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated. Do not place whole blood directly on cool packs when shipping.
Causes for Rejection
Green (sodium or lithium heparin). Frozen specimens. Clotted or hemolyzed specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 hours |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |