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Go to http://testguide.adhb.govt.nz/EGuide/ for more information.

Specimen Collection

The basic measurement of cholinesterase activity is done at Labplus. This requires either plain or heparinised blood.

Phenotyping of genetic cholinesterase variants, requires an EDTA tube (not frozen), which will be forwarded to Canterbury Health Laboratories for analysis.

Specimen note:  

Do NOT use Seraclear or gel separation tube.

4 mL EDTA Blood (Preferred)
4 mL Heparin Blood
4 mL Plain Blood
Reference Intervals

   Units :  U/mL  (kU/L)    

  Reference interval:

Adult	> 4.8
Pregnancy	17 - 40% lower than nonpregnant adult range
Newborn	lower than adult range
Children	Up to 25% higher than adult levels

Uncertainty of Measurement:     7% 

Turnaround Time: Within 1 week

Performed Weekly.

Assay Method

Principle:   Kinetic rate reaction

Reagent:   In-house reagents

Analyser:    Indiko Plus 

Diagnostic Use and Interpretation

Download: Cholinesterase Diagnostic and Interpretation - Cholinesterase testguide dx use and interpretation information - 11 2 19.pdf

Contact Information

The chemical pathology  team can be reached via email: chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz or via Lablink  (09) 307 4949 ext 22000 or 09-3078995

Emails will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist. Include the patients NHI.

After-hours: contact  Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours .

• Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402 
• Dr Cam Kyle : CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz    ext 22052 
• Dr Weldon Chiu : WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz    ext. 23427 
• Dr Campbell Heron : CHeron@adhb.govt.nz    ext. 23427
• Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe Saku.Jayasinghe@adhb.govt.nz
• Dr Owen Yi WenyiYi@adhb.govt.nz

Last updated at 11:42:03 16/01/2026