Cholinesterase - red cell
Last updated: Monday, 06, August, 2007
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 5 mL blood in lithium heparin tube. |
| Method | Spectrophotometry. |
| Reference Interval | Consult pathologist. |
| Application | Diagnosis of poisoning with organophosphate or carbamate insecticides, monitoring long term exposure. This is the preferred test, but see also Cholinesterase - plasma, which can be substituted and may be valuable to detect repeated exposure. |
| Interpretation | Reduced levels are found with poisoning, whether acute or chronic. Levels will return to normal as the affected erythrocyte population is replaced. For occupational monitoring, pre-exposure (off season) values will ideally be determined for later comparison with exposed values. |
| Reference | Walker B Jr and Nidiry J. Inhal Toxicol. 2002; 14(9): 975-990. |