Cholinesterase Tests : labtest

Why Get Tested?
To determine if you have been exposed to and/or poisoned by certain organophosphate chemicals found in pesticides; to monitor cholinesterase levels if you work with pesticides
Sometimes to identify individuals with inherited pseudocholinesterase deficiency before they are given anesthesia with the muscle relaxant succinylcholine or to help determine the cause of prolonged apnea after surgical anesthesia

When to Get Tested?
When you have symptoms of pesticide poisoning or on a regular basis when you are at risk of exposure to organophosphates, such as through work in the agriculture industry and/or frequent use of organophosphate insecticides
When you or a close relative have experienced prolonged apnea and muscle paralysis after use of the drug succinylcholine for a surgical operation

Sample Required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm

How is it used?
Cholinesterase testing has two main uses:
It can be used to detect and diagnose organophosphate pesticide exposure and/or poisoning. It may also be used to monitor those who may be at increased risk of exposure to organophosphate compounds, such as those who work in agricultural and chemical industries, and to monitor those who are being treated for exposure. Typically, tests for red blood cell (RBC) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and serum pseudocholinesterase (PChE) are used for this purpose.
It can be used several days prior to a surgical procedure to determine if someone with a history of or family history of post-operative paralysis following the use of succinylcholine, a common muscle relaxant used for anesthesia, is at risk of having this reaction. In these cases, the test for pseudocholinesterase is usually used. A second test, referred to as a dibucaine inhibition test, may be done to help determine the extent to which the activity of the enzyme is decreased.

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