Test Overview
Test Methodology

Polyacrylamide Electrophoresis

Test Usage

The presence of AChE in amniotic fluid is positive for a neural tube defect (open tube defects, and to a lesser degree, ventral wall defects) if fetal contamination can be ruled out.

Reference Range *

Negative

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

A bloody tap may cause a false positive result.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Tuesday, Thursday
Analytic Time

6 - 9 days

Soft Order Code
ACHE
MiChart Code
Acetylcholinesterase, Amniotic Fluid
Synonyms
  • AChE-AF
  • ACHE
  • ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Mayo ACHE_ (9287)
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Submit 1 ml of uncentrifuged amniotic fluid. Refrigerate. A specimen from the 16-18 week gestational period of pregnancy is preferred; from the 14-21 week is acceptable. GESTATIONAL AGE IS REQUIRED ON THE REQUISITION FOR PROCESSING.

Normal Volume
1 mL amniotic fluid
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL amniotic fluid
Additional Information

Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories.

Billing
CPT Code
82013
Fee Code
20454