Acherbcccnc
This test measures the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme in your red blood cells to evaluate for pesticide exposure or certain genetic conditions.
{"Measures acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity in red blood cells","Helps detect exposure to organophosphate pesticides","Used to diagnose certain hereditary enzyme deficiencies","Simple blood test performed on a whole blood sample","Results help doctors assess your exposure risk or diagnose medical conditions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1709-5
- Short code
- RBC AChE
- Synonyms
- AChE RBC-cCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) tube or green-top (heparin) tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.6
- Ref high
- 11.2
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Spectrophotometric enzymatic assay using butyrylthiocholine or acetylthiocholine substrate
- CPT
- 82480
- SNOMED
- 313295004
- Specimen volume
- 2-3 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Whole blood stable at room temperature for 24-48 hours; refrigerate at 2-8°C if delay exceeds 48 hours. Do not freeze.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Acetylcholinesterase test measures how active the acetylcholinesterase enzyme is in your red blood cells. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important enzyme that helps break down acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in your nervous system. This enzyme is found in high concentrations in red blood cells and plays a crucial role in normal nerve function.
Why would I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have been exposed to certain types of pesticides (particularly organophosphates and carbamates), which can inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. This test is also used to diagnose hereditary conditions that affect cholinesterase enzyme activity, such as atypical cholinesterase deficiency. Workers in agriculture, pest control, or chemical industries may undergo this test as part of routine occupational health monitoring.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample will be collected in a tube containing an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians measure the acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity in your red blood cells. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
Reference range
4.6 - 11.2 U/mL (typical reference range; may vary by laboratory)N/A
No special preparation required. Inform laboratory of recent pesticide exposure or cholinesterase-inhibiting medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings3
Frequently asked questions
Is this test dangerous?
How long does it take to get results?
What do abnormal results mean?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can medications affect my test results?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy