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Test Code ACE Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, Serum

Reporting Name

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, S

Useful For

Evaluation of patients with suspected sarcoidosis

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Necessary Information


The use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibiting antihypertensive drugs will cause decreased ACE values. Patients taking ACE inhibitors, such as captopril and enalapril, will have extremely low or unmeasurable ACE activity. Indicate on the request form if the patient is on ACE inhibitors.



Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  180 days
  Ambient  24 hours

Reference Values

≥18 years: 16-85 U/L

0-17 years: Angiotensin converting enzyme activity may be 20-50% higher in healthy children compared to healthy adults.

 

For SI unit Reference Values, see https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

82164

Clinical Information

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is integral to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which maintains blood pressure by regulation of fluid volume and vascular tension. Its peptidase action on the decapeptide angiotensinogen I results in the hydrolysis of a terminal histidyl leucine dipeptide and the formation of the octapeptide angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure.

 

ACE activity is increased in sarcoidosis, a systemic granulomatous disease that commonly affects the lungs. In sarcoidosis, ACE is thought to be produced by epithelioid cells and macrophages of the granuloma.

 

ACE activity reflects the severity of sarcoidosis: 68% positivity in those with stage I sarcoidosis, 86% in stage II sarcoidosis, and 91% in stage III sarcoidosis.

 

Other conditions such as Gaucher disease, leprosy, untreated hyperthyroidism, psoriasis, premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome, adults with amyloidosis, and histoplasmosis have been associated with increased serum ACE activity.

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus Reject

Disease States

  • Sarcoidosis

Method Name

Spectrophotometry (SP)

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:

-General Request (T239)

-Cardiovascular Test Request (T724)