ACE levelsDefinitionACE levels is a blood test that measures the amount of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Alternative NamesSerum angiotensin-converting enzyme; SACE How the Test is PerformedA blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture How to Prepare for the TestYou may have to restrict food and fluids for up to 12 hours before the test. People taking steroid therapy should talk to their health care providers, because steroids can decrease ACE levels. How the Test Will FeelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing. Why the Test is PerformedThe most common use of this test is to help diagnose and monitor a disorder called sarcoidosis . People with sarcoidosis may have their ACE levels tested regularly to check the severity of the disease and see how well treatment is working. This test also helps confirm Gaucher's disease and leprosy. Normal ResultsNormal values vary based on your age and the test method used. Typically, adults have ACE levels less than 40 micrograms/L. The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results. What Abnormal Results MeanIncreased ACE levels may be a sign of sarcoidosis. ACE levels will rise or fall as sarcoidosis becomes worse or improves. However, increased ACE levels may also be seen in several other disorders, including:
A decrease in ACE levels may indicate:
RisksVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. The risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
ConsiderationsBecause elevated ACE levels may also be seen in several other disorders, the overall usefulness of the ACE blood test is limited. ReferencesPincus MR, Abraham NZ, Carty RP. Clinical enzymology. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 20. Iannuzzi M. Sarcoidosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 95.
Review Date:
11/17/2011 Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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