Acetylcholinesterase [Interpretation] in Amniotic fluid Narrative

AChE Amn-Imp

Definition

An interpretation of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in amniotic fluid testing result which is used as an aid to diagnose open neural tube defect (NDT) and ventral wall defects. The two most common neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly. When an NTD is suspected based upon maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening results, or diagnosed via ultrasound, detection of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in amniotic fluid is a useful diagnostic tool as normal amniotic fluid does not contain AChE, unless from the fetus as a result of an open NTD. The patient's gestational age must be at least 13 weeks (second trimester) for accurate AChE detection. Optimal gestational age is 14 to 18 weeks. If acetylcholinesterase is present genetic consultation and high-resolution ultrasound may be suggested.

Acetycholinesterase; Acetylcholine acetylhydrolase; Acetylhydrolase; AChE; ACLE; AF; Amn; Amn fl; Amnio; Amniotic flu; Amniotic fluid; Chemistry; Choline esterase I; Cholinesterase true; Erythrocyte cholinesterase; Impression; Impression/interpretation of study; Impressions; Interp; Interpretation; Narrative; Point in time; Random; RBC cholinesterase; Report