Test Name: Cholinesterase
Formal Name: Cholinesterase
Other Names: Pseudochoinesterase, Cholinesterase
Low: Deficiency (genetic or acquired). High: High protein intake or nephrotic syndrome.
Why Test: Assess pesticide exposure or succinylcholine sensitivity.
When to Test: Prolonged apnea after anesthesia.
Test Principle: Colorimetric assay using butyrylthiocholine substrate.
Q1: Does this affect general anesthesia? A1: It affects the drug succinylcholine, not general anesthesia drugs. Q2: Is it the same as red blood cell cholinesterase? A1: No, RBC cholinesterase is different and found in red blood cells.
