What is the cholinesterase test for?

Serum cholinesterase is a blood test that looks at levels of 2 substances that help the nervous system work properly. They are called acetylcholinesterase and pseudocholinesterase. Your nerves need these substances to send signals.

How do you test for pseudocholinesterase deficiency?

To diagnose inherited pseudocholinesterase deficiency, the abnormal gene that causes the condition are identified using genetic testing. A sample of your blood is collected and sent to a lab for analysis. Ask your doctor if family members should be tested before surgery as well.

How do you test for organophosphate?

In general, intact organophosphates cannot be detected in the blood due to rapid hydrolysis by the liver. Therefore, the most commonly used test to confirm acute organophosphate poisoning is measurement of plasma cholinesterase activity.

What does a low cholinesterase levels indicate?

Significantly decreased cholinesterase activity levels usually indicate excessive absorption of organophosphate compounds. Pseudocholinesterase and RBC acetylcholinesterase activity are usually decreased within a few minutes to hours after exposure.

What is cholinesterase used for?

Cholinesterase inhibitors function to decrease the breakdown of acetylcholine. They SEe use in the treatment of Alzheimer and dementia symptoms.

Why is cholinesterase so important?

Cholinesterase is a family of enzymes present in the central nervous system, particularly in nervous tissue, muscle and red cells, which catalyze the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid (Figure 23.16), a reaction necessary to allow a cholinergic neuron to return to its resting …

What is organophosphate used for?

Organophosphates are the most widely used insecticides today. They are used in agriculture, the home, gardens, and veterinary practice. Organophosphate insecticides (such as diazinon) are one type of pesticide that works by damaging an enzyme in the body called acetylcholinesterase.

What do organophosphates do to the body?

Organophosphates are used as medications, insecticides, and nerve agents as a weapon. Symptoms include increased saliva and tear production, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, small pupils, sweating, muscle tremors, and confusion.

What can cause low cholinesterase?

Decreased pseudocholinesterase levels may be due to:

• Chronic infection.
• Chronic malnutrition.
• Heart attack.
• Liver damage.
• Metastasis.
• Obstructive jaundice.
• Poisoning from organophosphates (chemicals found in some pesticides)
• Inflammation that accompanies some diseases.