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ACE blood test
Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme; SACE
The ACE test measures the level of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the blood.
Enzyme
Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change in all parts of the body. For example, they can help break down the foods we eat ...
How the Test is Performed
Blood sample is needed
Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.
How to Prepare for the Test
Follow your health care provider's instructions for not eating or drinking for up to 12 hours before the test. If you are on steroid medicine, ask your provider if you need to stop the medicine before the test, because steroids can decrease ACE levels. DO NOT stop any medicine before talking to your provider.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
This test may be commonly ordered to help diagnose and monitor a disorder called sarcoidosis . People with sarcoidosis may have their ACE level tested regularly to check how severe the disease is and how well treatment is working.
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues.
This test also helps confirm Gaucher disease and leprosy .
Gaucher disease
Gaucher disease is a rare genetic disorder in which a person lacks an enzyme called glucocerebrosidase (GBA).
Leprosy
Leprosy is an infectious disease that has been known since biblical times. This disease causes skin sores, nerve damage, and muscle weakness that ge...
Normal Results
Normal values vary based on your age and the test method used. Adults have an ACE level less than 40 micrograms/L.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Higher than normal ACE level may be a sign of sarcoidosis. ACE levels may rise or fall as sarcoidosis worsens or improves.
A higher than normal ACE level may also be seen in several other diseases and disorders, including:
-
Cancer of the lymph tissue (
Hodgkin disease
)
Hodgkin disease
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.
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Diabetes
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.
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Liver swelling and inflammation (
hepatitis
) due to alcohol use
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.
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Lung disease such as
asthma
, cancer,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
, or
tuberculosis
Asthma
Asthma is a disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. It leads to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughi...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleChronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleTuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.
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Kidney disorder called
nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that include protein in the urine, low blood protein levels in the blood, high cholesterol levels, high tri...
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-
Overactive thyroid (
hyperthyroidism
)
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. The condition is often called overactive thyroid.
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Lower than normal ACE level may indicate:
- Chronic liver disease
-
Eating disorder called
anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes people lose more weight than is considered healthy for their age and height. People with this disorder may...
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- Therapy for sarcoidosis
-
Underactive thyroid (
hypothyroidism
)
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid....
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Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
The risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) - blood. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:138-139.
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Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
-
Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
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High blood pressure
(In-Depth)
-
High blood pressure
(Alt. Medicine)
-
Diabetes - type 1
(In-Depth)
-
Diabetes - type 2
(In-Depth)
-
Stroke
(Alt. Medicine)
-
Atherosclerosis
(Alt. Medicine)
-
Myocardial infarction
(Alt. Medicine)
-
Heart failure
(In-Depth)
-
Coronary artery disease
(In-Depth)
-
Stroke
(In-Depth)
Review Date: 11/1/2015
Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
