The cholinesterase test is a laboratory test requested to determine the degree of person’s exposure to toxic products, such as pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers, for example, even if it is not suitable for farmers, however, it is in constant contact with Agricultural Products.
Cholinesterase is an enzyme in the body responsible for the breakdown of a substance called acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling nerve impulses in muscles. There are classes of cholinesterase:
- Controlling the level of cholinesarase is important so that any changes can be identified and treated quickly.
- Thus avoiding complications for the person.
The doctor recommends the examination of cholinesterase mainly to check the degree of exposure of farmers, for example, to insecticides and pesticides.
Similarly, levels of this enzyme may be necessary to track patients with liver disease, especially those undergoing a liver transplant, who typically have reduced levels of cholinesarase.
Cholinesarase levels may also be indicated in people with mutations that interfere with the proper functioning of cholinesarase production.
The reference values for the cholinesarase test vary by laboratory and the kit used to perform the test, so normal reference values may be:
These tests are performed like any other blood test, at the end a small blood sample is taken and sent to the laboratory for testing by the biochemistry sector, depending on the laboratory, it may be recommended to wait at least 4 hours.
Cholinesterase levels mainly indicate prolonged exposure to organosphosphoric pesticides, present in insecticides, pesticides and herbicides, capable of inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, causing acetylcholine to build up and also generating certain signs and symptoms such as:
Although cholinesarase levels are mainly related to poisoning, this enzyme can also be reduced for hepatitis, cirrosa, congestive heart failure, acute infection and heart attack.
For this reason, it is important that the outcome of the cholinesterase problem be interpreted along with the results of other tests to identify the cause of degradation of this enzyme and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
On the other hand, high rates of cholinesarase usually occur due to obesity, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome and hyperthyroidism.