Test Code ACERB Acetylcholinesterase, Erythrocytes
Reporting Name
Acetylcholinesterase, RBCUseful For
Detecting effects of chronic or remote (months) past exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors (organophosphate insecticide poisoning)
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
Whole Blood EDTAOrdering Guidance
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
Collection Information: Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Specimen Minimum Volume
2.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated | 72 hours |
Reference Values
31.2-61.3 U/g of hemoglobin
Reference values have not been established for patients younger than 18 years of age.
Day(s) Performed
Wednesday
Test Classification
This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.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 activity is determined by automated photometric method and hemoglobin is measured by spectrophotometric analysis of lysates from washed packed erythrocytes.(Package insert: Cholinesterase, Roche Diagnostics; V10.0, 02/2017)
Report Available
4 to 8 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Method Name
Spectrophotometric-Thiocholine Production