Serum
u/L
NOTE THIS TEST HAS VERY POOR SPECIFICITY BEING RAISED IN A NUMBER OF INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS
IF PATIENTS ARE TAKING ACE INHIBITORS THIS TEST MUST NOT BE PERFORMED
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) participates in the renin cascade in response to hypovolemia, by
converting angiotensinogen I to angiotensinogen II. The latter hormone is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure. The endothelium of the lung is the primary source of ACE. Because of this location, ACE production is increased in sarcoidosis. Serum ACE concentration is elevated in 79% of patients with active sarcoidosis. ACE activity reflects disease activity. Levels are higher in stage III than in stage 1 disease. Enzyme activity decreases dramatically in some patients after prednisone therapy.
Other diseases such as Gaucher’s disease, leprosy, histoplasmosis, amyloidosis, untreated hyperthyroidism, psoriasis and chronic renal disease have also been associated with increased ACE levels. Serum ACE is significantly decreased in patients taking ACE inhibitors such as Vasotec and captopril. Corticosteroids may slightly decrease ACE values.
Local test
7 days
Can be added on to an existing request up to 6 days following sample receipt
30 days
Please note this test is not UKAS accredited
Specimen Labelling Procedure
8210
