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Angiotensin Converting Enzyme

ACE Level, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB5009, ACE

Department

Chemistry

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Gold-top SST tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 4.0 mL)

Contact the Laboratory for acceptability of other tube types.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let SST specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate (2–8°C or 36–46°F) the centrifuged SST tube within two hours of collection.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Centrifuged SST tube, refrigerated (2–8°C or 36–46°F). (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Red-top tubes with serum not separated from cells within two hours of collection.

In-Lab Processing

Let SST specimens clot 30-60 minutes. Centrifuge SST tubes or Microtainers^® to separate serum from cells. Deliver immediately to the appropriate testing station.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged SST Tubes and Microtainers^® with Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20–26°C or 68–78.8°F): 2–4 hours
Refrigerated (2–8°C or 36–46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Red-top Tubes and Microtainers^® without Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20–25°C or 68–77°F): 2-4 hours
Refrigerated (2–8°C or 36–46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20–26°C or 68–78.8°F): 2–4 hours
Refrigerated (2–8°C or 36–46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 7 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2–8°C or 36–46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Tuesday and Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.
Results available within 24 hours of testing. 

Reference Range

12-60 U/L.

Test Methodology

Enzymatic.

Interpretation

Increased ACE levels are found in patients with active sarcoidosis. Levels may also be increased in Gaucher's disease, amyloidosis, histoplasmosis, leprosy and infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

ACE is inhibited by EDTA and by ACE inhibitors (eg. Captopril, Vasotec) used in the treatment of hypertension. Steroid therapy may also cause slight decreases in ACE levels.

Clinical Utility

The angiotensin converting enzyme assay is used to aid in the diagnosis of active sarcoidosis. It may be useful for confirmation of Gaucher's disease.

CPT Codes

82164
LOINC:  2742-5

Contacts

Last Updated

5/9/2023