The cholinesarase test is a laboratory test requested to verify the degree of exposure of the person to toxic products, such as pesticides, insecticides, herbicides or fertilizers for example, being more suitable for farmers, as they are in constant contact with agricultural production.
Cholinesterase is a body enzyme responsible for the breakdown of a substance called Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling nerve impulses to muscles. There are two kinds of cholinesarasa:
- Tracking cholinesarase levels is important so that any changes can be quickly identified and treated.
- Thus avoiding complications for the person.
The doctor recommends cholinesase testing primarily to monitor farmers’ exposure level, for example, insecticides and pesticides.
In addition, dosing of this enzyme may be requested to monitor patients with liver disease, especially those who have undergone liver transplantation, as they usually have a decrease in cholinesase levels.
Cholinesarase dosage may also be indicated for people who have mutations that interfere with proper functioning or production of this enzyme.
The reference values of the cholinesarasa test vary depending on the laboratory and the kit used to perform the test. Therefore, normal reference values may vary between:
This test is performed like any other blood test, i.e. a small blood sample is taken and sent to the laboratory for analysis by the biochemistry sector. Depending on the laboratory, fasting may be recommended for at least 4 hours.
Low cholinesate levels mainly indicate prolonged exposure to organophosphate pesticides, which are substances found in insecticides, pesticides and herbicides that inhibit the activity of this enzyme, leading to the accumulation of acetylcholine and which may result in the onset of certain signs and symptoms, such as:
Although decreased cholinesarasa levels are mainly related to poisoning, there may also be a decrease in cholines, cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, acute infection and heart attack.
Therefore, it is important that cholineesterase test results are interpreted together with the results of other tests so that the cause of the decrease in this enzyme is identified and the most appropriate treatment can be indicated.
On the other hand, high rates of cholinesarasa are often due to obesity, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome and hyperthyroidism.