Acheserplccnc
This test measures the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme in your blood to help diagnose certain conditions or exposure to toxic substances.
{"Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that helps nerve cells communicate","Low levels may indicate exposure to certain pesticides or nerve agents","The test is performed on a blood sample taken from a vein","Results help doctors diagnose organophosphate poisoning, liver disease, or certain blood disorders"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1710-3
- Short code
- ACHE
- Synonyms
- AChE SerPl-cCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5320
- Ref high
- 12900
- Critical range
- 2000 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Spectrophotometric enzymatic assay (Ellman method)
- CPT
- 82013
- SNOMED
- 313295004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) test measures the amount and activity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in your blood. This enzyme is found primarily in red blood cells and is essential for breaking down acetylcholine, a chemical that helps nerve cells send signals to muscles and other nerves.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have been exposed to organophosphate or carbamate pesticides, which are chemicals that can inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. It may also be used to help diagnose certain liver diseases, blood disorders like anemia, or to monitor recovery after pesticide poisoning.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood is collected into a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. You may experience brief discomfort or a small bruise at the needle site.
How should I prepare?
Generally, no special preparation is needed for this test. However, always follow your doctor's instructions. Tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or pesticides you may have been exposed to recently, as these can affect the test results.
Reference range
5,320 - 12,900 U/L (reference range may vary by laboratory method)N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary for this test. Avoid strenuous exercise before sample collection as it may temporarily affect enzyme levels.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Acetylcholinesterase testing is primarily used to detect and monitor exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, which are commonly found in insecticides and nerve agents. These substances inhibit AChE activity, leading to accumulation of acetylcholine and potential nerve and muscle problems. The test is also clinically significant in diagnosing certain liver diseases (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis), measuring recovery from pesticide poisoning, and evaluating certain hematological conditions. AChE levels may be decreased in cases of organophosphate poisoning, liver damage, or certain types of anemia, while normal or elevated levels are typically seen in conditions like polycythemia or during recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Is the test dangerous?
How long does it take to get results?
What do low AChE levels mean?
Can medications affect my results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy