What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're preparing for surgery and want to know how your body handles certain anesthesia drugs. It helps if you have a family history of unusual reactions to anesthesia, such as prolonged muscle paralysis or slow recovery from breathing on your own after a procedure. It's also useful if a relative has been diagnosed with a pseudocholinesterase deficiency, since this condition can run in families.

What's included in this test?

This test looks at two things together: how active your pseudocholinesterase enzyme is, and how much that activity is blocked by a substance called dibucaine. Looking at both numbers together helps identify whether your body breaks down certain anesthesia drugs normally, slowly, or very slowly, which matters most before you have surgery.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what a normal enzyme activity level and normal dibucaine inhibition percentage look like. If your results suggest reduced enzyme function, a simple next step is sharing this information before any future surgery or procedure so the anesthesia team can adjust their approach. You can download a standard lab report directly from your account, and if you ever retest in the future, the trends feature lets you track any changes over time.

Who should consider this test?

People with a personal or family history of prolonged paralysis or slow waking after anesthesia should consider this test. It's also useful for anyone whose relative has been told they have a pseudocholinesterase deficiency, since the condition is often inherited. Discussing your results ahead of a planned surgery can help avoid unexpected complications.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification and can log into your account to view the full report as soon as it's available. This timeline gives you plenty of lead time if you're using the results to prepare for an upcoming procedure.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

The main sign isn't a symptom you'd feel day-to-day, but rather a past experience of taking unusually long to wake up or breathe on your own after anesthesia. If you or a family member has gone through this, it's a strong reason to get tested before another surgery. Extended time on a breathing machine after a routine procedure is another red flag worth looking into.

What is pseudocholinesterase deficiency and why does it matter?

Pseudocholinesterase is an enzyme your liver makes that helps break down certain drugs, including a muscle relaxant called succinylcholine used during anesthesia. If your enzyme activity is low or works abnormally, your body clears this drug much more slowly than usual, which can cause extended muscle paralysis and the need for continued breathing support after surgery. Knowing this ahead of time lets the anesthesia team plan around it safely.

What does low enzyme activity with abnormal dibucaine inhibition mean?

A low percentage of dibucaine inhibition combined with low enzyme activity usually points to an inherited form of pseudocholinesterase that doesn't work normally. This means certain anesthesia drugs could stay active in your system much longer than expected. It's important to mention this result before any future surgery so the care team can choose alternative medications or monitor you more closely.

What causes abnormal pseudocholinesterase results?

The most common cause is an inherited genetic variant that changes how the enzyme is built, and this can be passed down from either parent. Liver disease, malnutrition, pregnancy, and certain medications can also temporarily lower enzyme activity. Because genetics play such a large role, testing family members can help clarify whether a result runs in the family.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your results show reduced enzyme activity, keep a copy of your report to bring to any future surgical or dental procedure that involves anesthesia. Consider letting close biological relatives know, since they may want to get tested too given the inherited nature of this condition. Wearing a medical alert bracelet noting the deficiency is a practical, low-effort way to make sure this information is available in an emergency.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Cholinesterase Test - Anesthesia Sensitivity Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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