MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Cholinestrase test

Medical Encyclopedia

Cholinestrase test

During a cholinestrase test, a needle is inserted into a vein and blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. The sample is taken to the laboratory for evaluation. The lab evaluates the enzymes acetylcholinesterase and pseudocholinesterase, which act to break down acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a critical chemical in the transmission of nerve impulses.

Update Date: 5/25/2007

Updated by: Daniel R Alexander, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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