Cholinesterase
Also known as: Pseudocholinesterase
Use
Evaluate preoperative patients for succinylcholine (suxamethonium) anesthetic sensitivity, genetic or secondary to insecticide exposure, in appropriate circumstances. To prevent or evaluate prolonged anesthetic effect, prolonged apnea, after surgery. Very small amounts (0.04−0.06 mg/kg) of succinylcholine are needed to obtain 90% of neuromuscular blockade in patients with low levels of plasma cholinesterase activity.1
Special Instructions
Separate serum from cells immediately after clotting for 30 minutes and place it in a transport tube labeled as 'serum'.
Limitations
Serum cholinesterase levels may be decreased in patients on estrogens and oral contraceptives. Fluoride can interfere with the test results. Low pseudocholinesterase levels may also occur in liver disease, malnutrition, or certain cancers, but it's not reliable for diagnosing these conditions. It is not useful for evaluating toxicity from chlorinated insecticides. Genetic atypical enzymes may not explain all cases of prolonged postsurgical apnea. Red cell cholinesterase could be more informative for chronic insecticide exposure. Carbamate-poisoned individuals may have near normal pseudocholinesterase levels.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2098-2
- 2098-2
Result Turnaround Time
4-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum from cells immediately after clotting (30 minutes) and place in transport tube. Mark transport tube 'serum'.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Whole blood specimen; hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |