Butyrylcholinesterase (Serum/Plasma Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of butyrylcholinesterase, an enzyme in your blood that helps break down certain chemicals, including medications like some anesthetics and nerve agents.
["Butyrylcholinesterase levels help assess how your body processes certain drugs and may indicate potential side effects or risks during anesthesia or exposure to toxic substances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72875-8
- Short code
- JWH-073 butanol Ur Cfm-mCnc
- Synonyms
- JWH-073 butanol Ur Cfm-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is an enzyme found in your blood, produced mainly by the liver. It plays a role in metabolizing certain medications, including some anesthetics and organophosphate pesticides. Your body naturally produces varying amounts, which can be influenced by factors like genetics, liver function, and certain medications.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test before certain surgeries, particularly general anesthesia, to evaluate how well your body will break down anesthetics. It can also be used in cases of suspected exposure to nerve agents or other toxic substances that rely on BChE for detoxification.
What Could Abnormal Results Mean?
Low levels of butyrylcholinesterase might suggest genetic variations, liver disease, or certain medications that reduce enzyme production. Very low levels could increase the risk of prolonged anesthesia effects or toxicity from nerve agents. High levels are less common but may occur with certain genetic conditions.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a specialized method to measure the enzyme concentration.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Butyrylcholinesterase levels are clinically significant primarily in preoperative assessments for anesthesia, as well as in cases of suspected exposure to organophosphate pesticides or nerve agents. Genetic variations can affect enzyme activity, potentially altering drug metabolism and increasing risks of side effects. Liver disease may also impact enzyme production, warranting careful monitoring during anesthesia or exposure to toxic substances.
Short name
Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) Level
Frequently asked questions
Could my diet affect this test?
What if my results are outside the normal range?
How often should I get this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy