Specimen Collection
1 mL Collect CSF (Always Required)
Reference Intervals
The upper reference limit for CSF ACE is <1.5 U/L.
Technical limitations of the assay only allow us to report it quantitatively down to 3 U/L.
Uncertainty of Measurement:
25% for results <4 U/L
15% for results >4 U/L
Turnaround Time: Within 1 week
Assay Method
Principle:
Kinetic rate reaction
Reagent:
Buhlmann Laboratories
Analyser:
Indiko Plus
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
Approximately two thirds of patients with active sarcoidosis will have raised levels of ACE, with the highest levels being associated with extensive and clinically florid disease. If it is elevated, it may be useful for monitoring the activity of the disease.
It is not a sensitive or specific test for sarcoidosis, but can be a useful confirmatory test if there is clinical and radiological evidence to support the diagnosis.
ACE is also increased markedly in Gaucher's disease, and may also be increased in association with pulmonary conditions such as asbestosis, silicosis, and atypical bacterial infections, as well as non-pulmonary conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism and alcoholic liver disease.
CSF ACE
: Although CSF ACE is raised in a proportion of patients with neurosarcoidosis, it is too insensitive and nonspecific to be useful as a marker for this condition.
References
:
1. Linnebank M et al. Neurology 2003; 61: 1819-1820.
2. Oksanen V et al. Neurology 1985; 35: 1220-1222.
3. Dale J et al. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 1999; 74 :535.
Contact Information
Emails to
chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz
will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist.
If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.
If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via
Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).
Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.
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:
Sakunthala@adhb.govt.nz
ext. 23427
Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories
Aliquot sample and freeze at -20C
Transport at -20C