Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Angiotensin Converting Enzyme
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme
Brown clotted serum, gel barrier
| Test | Angiotensin Converting Enzyme |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | ACE |
| Profile | NA |
| Tube type | Brown clotted serum, gel barrier |
| Clinical Indication | Serum ACE levels are increased in at least 60% of patients with active Sarcoidosis and in about 20% of patients with the disease on steroid therapy. Serum ACE levels increase with the degree of sarcoid involvement and levels are useful for monitoring the condition. The levels increase with active disease and decrease with remission. |
| Specimen Type | Blood |
| Sample type | Serum |
| Minimum Volume | 0.5mL If requesting more than 10 tests please send an additional brown clotted serum sample. |
| Special Precautions | No special requirements |
| Stability | 1 month at 2-8°C |
| Turnaround Time | Inpatient: 4 days Outpatient/ GP: 4 days |
| Laboratory | Scarborough |
| Reference Interval | Adult (>18 years) = 20-70 U/L |
| Limitations | The assay should not be performed on grossly haemolysed samples. Plasma samples using chelators (EDTA, Oxalate etc) are unsuitable for this assay. Upon administration of angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitory drugs, such as Captopril (used for treating hypertension), serum ACE activity is markedly reduced but levels usually return to normal in ~12 hours. |
| Notes |
