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Test Code ACERB Acetylcholinesterase, Erythrocytes

Reporting Name

Acetylcholinesterase, RBC

Useful For

Detecting effects of chronic or remote (months) past exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors (organophosphate insecticide poisoning)

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Whole Blood EDTA


Advisory Information


For testing succinylcholine sensitivity to anesthesia, order PCHE1 / Pseudocholinesterase, Total, Serum.



Shipping Instructions


Specimen must arrive within 72 hours of collection.



Necessary Information


Date of collection is required.



Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 4 mL


Specimen Minimum Volume

2.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Whole Blood EDTA Refrigerated

Reference Values

31.2-61.3 U/g of hemoglobin

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Friday; 10 a.m.

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved or is exempt by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

82482

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
ACHS Acetylcholinesterase, RBC 49230-6

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
ACHSR Acetylcholinesterase, RBC 49230-6

Clinical Reference

1. Brahmi N, Mokline A, Kouraichi N, et al: Prognostic value of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase in acute organophosphate poisoning. Am J Emerg Med.. Nov 2006;24(7):822-827. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2006.05.009

2. Strelitz J, Engel LS, Keifer MC: Blood acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase as biomarkers of cholinesterase depression among pesticide handlers. Occup Environ Med. 2014;71(12):842-847. doi:10.1136/oemed-2014-102315

3. Mason HJ: The recovery of plasma cholinesterase and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity in workers after over-exposure to dichlorvos. Occup Med (Lond). 2000;50(5):343-347. doi:10.1093/occmed/50.5.343

4. Assis CR, Linhares AG, Cabrera MP, et al: Erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase as a biomarker of pesticide exposure: new and forgotten insights. Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2018;25:18364-18376. doi: 10.1007/s11356-018-2303-9

5. Robinson DG, Trites DG, Banister EW: Physiological effects of work stress and pesticide exposure in tree planting by British Columbia silviculture workers. Ergonomics. 1993 Aug;36:951-961. doi: 10.1080/00140139308967959

6. Fuortes LJ, Ayebo AD, Kross BC: Cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticide toxicity. Am Fam Phys. 1993 May;47:1613-1620

Method Description

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is determined by automated photometric method and hemoglobin is measured by spectrophotometric analysis of lysates from washed packed erythrocytes.(Package insert: Roche Cholinesterase, Roche Diagnostics Corp; V10.0, 02/2017)

Analytic Time

4 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK

Method Name

Spectrophotometric-Thiocholine Production