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A Cholinesterase Test is a lab blood test that measures the level of cholinesterase, an enzyme that helps your nerves and muscles work. This test is also called a pseudocholinesterase test or serum cholinesterase test and is often used to check for certain poison exposures or to see how your liver is working. You can book this lab test at participating labs through LabFinder and choose a time and place that fit your day.
A butyrylcholinesterase test or plasma cholinesterase test measures how active this enzyme is in your blood. Cholinesterase levels can drop if you have been exposed to some pesticides or nerve agents, or if your liver is not working well. The result helps your doctor see whether your enzyme level is in a usual range or if it is lower than expected.
Common reasons: Your doctor may order a Cholinesterase Test if you work with certain pesticides or chemicals and there is concern about exposure, if you have signs of poisoning after contact with insect sprays, if you have liver disease and your team wants more information about liver function, or before surgery if medicines used for anesthesia could be affected by low cholinesterase. It may also be used to follow your levels over time if you are in a job with regular chemical exposure.
What to expect at the lab: Most visits for a Cholinesterase Test take about 15 to 30 minutes from check in to check out. You will sign in, show your ID and test order, and then sit in a chair while a staff member cleans a small area on your arm. A tiny needle is placed into a vein, and a tube fills with blood in less than a minute. You may feel a brief pinch or pressure. The needle is removed, gentle pressure is applied, and a small bandage is placed. After that, you can usually leave, and your sample is sent to the lab so the cholinesterase activity can be measured.
Yes, this is a quick, routine blood draw and is considered very safe. You might feel a quick pinch, notice a small bruise, or feel a little lightheaded for a moment afterward, but those effects usually fade quickly. Be sure to tell the staff if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or if you have fainted during blood draws before. They will take extra care to keep you comfortable. Very hard exercise or a very large meat heavy meal right before testing can sometimes affect blood work, so follow any instructions from your doctor or the lab.
Follow your doctor’s steps: Ask if you need to schedule the test at a certain time or avoid heavy exercise right before your visit. Ask about fasting: Many people do not need to fast for this test, but some labs may prefer it, so check ahead of time. Share your job and exposures: Tell the team if you work with pesticides, solvents, or other chemicals, and how long you have been in that job. Review your medicines: Bring a list of all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take. Bring records: If you had cholinesterase or other heavy exposure tests in the past, bring those results so your doctor can compare.
A Cholinesterase Test may help evaluate possible pesticide or nerve agent exposure, sudden symptoms after handling insect sprays or farm chemicals, liver disease that may lower enzyme levels, long term alcohol use that can affect the liver, poor nutrition that may change enzyme production, and rare inherited problems that make some anesthesia medicines last longer than usual. Results must always be read in context. Your doctor will look at your cholinesterase level together with your history, symptoms, and other tests before recommending any next steps.
Red blood cell cholinesterase test: Measures cholinesterase activity inside red blood cells and may reflect longer term or deeper nerve related exposure to some pesticides. Liver function panel: Checks several liver enzymes and proteins at once to give a broader picture of how the liver is working, not just cholinesterase. Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): Looks at salts, kidney function, and liver related values together and is often used to monitor overall organ function along with a Cholinesterase Test.
Cost and insurance basics: This test is often covered when ordered for workplace monitoring, possible poisoning, or liver concerns, but copays and lab fees can still vary. Coverage varies by insurance plan and provider, so it is a good idea to confirm details with your insurer and the lab before your visit. With LabFinder, you can compare locations, see available time slots, and book online at participating labs. It is easy to search for a convenient location in your area or by city or ZIP. Results timing: Many labs send cholinesterase results to your doctor within a few days, but timing can differ, so ask the lab how long it usually takes and how you will receive your report.
Book on LabFinder: find a lab today on our lab finder and request a test doctor guided.
The information on this page and throughout the LabFinder website and mobile app is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized medical advice or specific health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider directly.
Booking a Cholinesterase Test is easy using LabFinder. Just choose your location and enter your insurance information to find the closest Cholinesterase Test near you.
To make a same-day appointment for a Cholinesterase Test, just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Cholinesterase Test location near you. If there's availability for a same-day appointment at a nearby lab location, then you will be able to book it easily through LabFinder.
LabFinder allows you to easily schedule a Cholinesterase Test. You can search by location and insurance to easily book a Cholinesterase Test near you.
LabFinder allows you to easily make an appointment for a Cholinesterase Test online. To make an appointment for a Cholinesterase Test online, just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Cholinesterase Test near you.
Yes, you can get a Cholinesterase Test without insurance. LabFinder allows you to search and select "Self-Pay" when booking a Cholinesterase Test. While pricing for the test may not be immediately available, please check by calling the lab company directly for pricing.
