Serum cholinesterase

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Cholinestrase test

Overview

Risks

Results

Serum cholinesterase

Alternative Names:

Acetylcholinesterase; RBC (or erythrocyte) cholinesterase; Pseudocholinesterase; Plasma cholinesterase; Butyrylcholinesterase

Normal Values:

The normal value of acetylcholinesterase and pseudocholinesterase depends on the technique, and should be determined by the laboratory performing the test. Typically, normal pseudocholinesterase values range between 8 and 18 U/ml.

Note: U/ml = units per milliliter

What abnormal results mean:

Decreased pseudocholinesterase levels may be seen in:

Congenital deficiency
Poisoning with organophosphates
Liver damage
Acute infection
Chronic malnutrition
Metastasis
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Obstructive jaundice

Smaller decreases are seen during:

Pregnancy
Use of oral contraceptives

Review Date: 4/29/2005
Reviewed By: Frank A. Greco, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Biophysical Laborartory, The Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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