The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.
Description: The angiotensin converting enzyme serum test is a blood test used to measure the blood pressure controlling enzyme, angiotensin converting enzyme, to track and identify sarcoidosis.
Also Known As: ACE Test, SACE Test, Serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Test, Serum ACE test
Collection Method: Blood Draw
Specimen Type: Serum
Test Preparation: No preparation required
Average Processing Time: 2 to 3 days
When is an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test ordered?
When a person exhibits indications or symptoms that suggest sarcoidosis, such as:
- Granulomas
- a persistent cough or breathing difficulties
- Red, tearing eyes
- aching joints
This is especially true if the patient is between the ages of 20 and 40, which is the age range at which sarcoidosis is most common.
When a patient has been diagnosed with sarcoidosis and their initial ACE levels were high, a medical professional may request ACE testing on a frequent basis to track how the patient's ACE levels vary over time as a sign of the disease's progression.
What does an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme blood test check for?
The enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme aids in controlling blood pressure. Sarcoidosis, a systemic condition with no known cause that frequently affects the lungs but may also affect the eyes, skin, nerves, liver, and heart, can occasionally be identified by an elevated blood level of ACE. The ACE level in the blood is determined by this test.
Granulomas, which are small tumor-like masses of immunological and inflammatory cells and fibrous tissue that form nodules under the skin and in organs all over the body, are a characteristic symptom of sarcoidosis. When granulomas are present in large enough numbers, they alter the structure of the tissues around them, which can lead to injury, inflammation, and disruption of normal processes. The granuloma's outer border cells have a higher ACE production capacity. When granulomas associated with sarcoidosis appear, the blood's concentration of ACE may rise.
Lab tests often ordered with an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test:
- Hepatic Function Panel
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Calcium
- AFB Testing
Conditions where an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test is recommended:
- Lung Disease
- Sacroidosis
- Non-tuberculosis Mycobacteria
How does my health care provider use an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme testing is typically requested to identify and track sarcoidosis. It is frequently requested as part of an inquiry into the origin of a collection of unsettling chronic symptoms that may be brought on by sarcoidosis.
A condition known as sarcoidosis causes tiny nodules, or granulomas, to develop in the body's organs and beneath the skin. When sarcoidosis is present, the cells that surround granulomas have the capacity to create more ACE, and the blood level of ACE may also rise.
With disease activity, the blood level of ACE frequently increases and decreases. If ACE is initially increased in a sarcoidosis patient, the ACE test can be used to track the progression of the condition and gauge how well corticosteroid therapy is working.
A doctor may request ACE in addition to other tests, such as fungal testing or AFB tests to look for mycobacterial infections. This might make it easier to distinguish between sarcoidosis and another condition that produces granulomas.
What do my Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test results mean?
If other diseases have been ruled out, an elevated ACE level in a person with clinical signs suggestive of sarcoidosis indicates that the person most likely has an active case of the disease. In 50% to 80% of those with active sarcoidosis, the ACE level will be raised. Finding a high ACE level contributes to the diagnosis's confirmation.
Sarcoidosis can exist without an elevated ACE level, thus a normal ACE level cannot be used to rule it out. Sarcoidosis patients that have normal ACE levels may have an inactive form of the disease, have been diagnosed with it early, or have cells that do not make excess ACE. Chronic sarcoidosis patients are also less likely to have increased ACE levels.
An initial high ACE level that gradually declines over time is typically indicative of a favorable prognosis and a remission brought about by therapy or spontaneously. On the other hand, an increasing level of ACE may point to either a developing disease process or disease activity that is not responding to treatment.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.
