Cholinesterase Phenotyping

Test information: Succinyldicholine (suxamethonium) is a muscle relaxant used during surgery, with its pharmacological effect usually lasting only long enough to meet the needs of the surgical procedure. However, in patients with low total activity, or a weakly active variant, the breakdown of the drug will not occur rapidly enough and the patient may enter a period of prolonged apnoea.

Specimen Type(s)

• Blood;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Purple Top BD;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• Lilac Top Microtainer BD;

Analytes

• N/A;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

1ml

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

If collecting sample after an episode of apnoea during surgery, please wait 48hrs post surgery before collecting samples.

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

See the report

UKAS number

8989

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

N/A

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