Test Code ACHE Acetylcholinesterase, Amniotic Fluid
Reporting Name
Acetylcholinesterase, AFUseful For
Diagnosing open neural tube defects and, to a lesser degree, ventral wall defects
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
Amniotic FldAdditional Testing Requirements
If chromosome studies are also requested, see CHRAF / Chromosome Analysis, Amniotic Fluid for specimen requirements. When requested with chromosome analysis, the specimen cannot be frozen.
Necessary Information
Gestational age at amniocentesis is required.
Second Trimester Maternal Screening Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)/QUAD Screen Patient Information (T595) is required.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: A specimen from the 14- to 18-week gestational period of pregnancy is preferred. Amniotic fluid from the 14- to 21-week gestational period is acceptable.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Amniotic Fld | Refrigerated (preferred) | 365 days | |
Frozen | 365 days | ||
Ambient | 14 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Negative (reported as negative [normal] or positive [abnormal] for inhibitable acetylcholinesterase)
Reference values were established in conjunction with alpha-fetoprotein testing and include only amniotic fluids from pregnancies between 14 and 21 weeks gestation.
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday, Thursday
Test Classification
This test was developed, and its performance characteristics 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
82013
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
ACHE_ | Acetylcholinesterase, AF | 30106-9 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
9287 | Acetylcholinesterase, AF | 30106-9 |
GACHE | Gestational Age (ACHE) | 18185-9 |
Clinical Reference
1. Wilson RD, Audibert F, Brock JA, et al: Prenatal screening, diagnosis, and pregnancy management of fetal neural tube defects. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2014 Oct;36(10):927-939
2. Palomaki GE, Bupp C, Gregg AR, et al: Laboratory screening and diagnosis of open neural tube defects, 2019 revision: a technical standard of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Genet Med 2020 Mar;22(3):462-474
Method Description
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and pseudocholinesterase (PChE) catalyze the deesterification of acetylthiocholine iodide to form a white copper thiocholine precipitate. The white precipitate is acted upon by dithiooxamide to provide a dark-green color. If 1,5 bis (4-allyldimethylammoniumphenyl) pentane-3-1 dibromide (BW284C51) is present, it will inhibit the action of AChE on acetylthiocholine iodide but will not inhibit the activity of PChE. AChE and PChE are separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and then reacted with the inhibitor and substrate while remaining in the gel.(Barlow RD, Cuckle HS, Wald NJ: A simple method for amniotic fluid gel-acetylcholinesterase determination, suitable for routine use in the antenatal diagnosis of open neural tube defects. Clin Chim Acta 1982;119:137-142); Cowan T, Pasquali M: Laboratory Investigations of Inborn Errors of Metabolism. In: Sarafoglou K, Hoffman GF, Roth KS, eds. Pediatric Endocrinology and Inborn Errors of Metabolism. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill; 2017:1139-1158)
Report Available
5 to 8 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Polyacrylamide Electrophoresis
Forms
1. Second Trimester Maternal Screening Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)/QUAD Screen Patient Information (T595) is required; see Special Instructions.
2. Biochemical Genetics Patient Information (T602) in Special Instructions.