LOINC display name : Acetylcholinesterase Nar (Amn fld) [Interp];
LOINC long common name : Acetylcholinesterase [Interpretation] in Amniotic fluid Narrative;
LOINC short name : AChE Amn-Imp;
LOINC description : 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.;
Has component