Acetylcholinesterase (RBC) Test

Acetylcholinesterase, also nomenclated as AChE is an enzyme found in the red blood cells which catalyzes the breakdown of choline esters that primarily function as neurotransmitters. The enzyme decimates the transmission at cholinergic synapses by hydrolyzing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. There is a prescribed medical procedure to attain the amount of enzyme present in the cells. Reduced levels of cholinesterase may be caused due to chronic liver disease and malnutrition. The enzyme activity also depreciates during pregnancy, renal diseases, trauma and some cancers. Significantly decreased cholinesterase activity levels usually indicate excessive absorption. Toxicity usually follows with absorption of the compounds in skin, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.

A blood sample from the vein is required and before having the sample collected, please confer this with your attendant if you are allergic to latex. Also, provide details if you are using a supplement that augments bleeding and if you have had a history of nausea, lightheadedness or fainting while having drawn blood in the past.

This process is useful in determining the extent of toxicity in organophosphates. The test is mainly concerned to those having a frequent exposure to organophosphate compounds, such as those working for chemical and agricultural organizations. It may also be used to determine if someone is at increased risk exposure to such compounds.

The test might also be performed long before a surgery to understand the history or family history of postoperative paralysis following the use of succinylcholine, a muscle relaxant used for anesthesia, might be at risk of encountering a reaction.

The frequency of the test depends on the age and gender of the patient but the procedure applied remains the same throughout. The specimen requires blood from the vein and the vein is secured through a tourniquet (Large rubber strap). The skin overlaying the vein is properly cleaned followed by a needle insertion. Maintain a good posture while the procedure is executed and the tourniquet is removed once the samples are collected in multiple tubes. A cotton ball, bandage or a gauze is provided immediately in order to cease bleeding. Strenuous exercise be avoided as a part of caution following the removal of strap.