Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, Serum
Use
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) plays a significant role in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), crucial for blood pressure regulation through fluid volume and vascular tension control. Serum ACE activity is notably increased in sarcoidosis, reflecting the severity of the disease and often elevated due to production by epithelioid cells and macrophages in granulomas. This enzyme's activity is also elevated in other conditions like Gaucher disease, leprosy, untreated hyperthyroidism, psoriasis, and histoplasmosis.
Special Instructions
Patients on ACE-inhibiting antihypertensive drugs, such as captopril and enalapril, will have significantly reduced or undetectable ACE activity. It is crucial to indicate the use of ACE inhibitors on the request form when ordering the test.
Limitations
While serum ACE activity is a marker in sarcoidosis with varying positivity across stages, several other conditions can cause elevated levels. Notably, this test should not be solely relied upon for diagnosing neurosarcoidosis due to insufficient supporting evidence for spinal fluid ACE activity.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Other (Spectrophotometry (SP))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2742-5
- 2742-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial, Serum gel or Red top tube
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial
Patient Preparation
Indicate on the request form if the patient is on ACE inhibitors.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |