Serum cholinesterase

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Cholinestrase test

This test may also be performed prior to anesthesia with succinylcholine (a paralyzing agent that is eliminated by these enzymes) to exclude a genetic deficiency of these enzymes. This is often done in individuals who have a family history of a prolonged drug effect during anesthesia.

Succinylcholine is one agent used before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to prevent a full-blown seizure during treatment. Your health care provider can determine your potential response to succinylcholine with this test.

Review Date: 04/29/2005
Reviewed By: Frank A. Greco, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Biophysical Laborartory, The Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.