ACE Test: Price, Purpose, Preparation & Results [2024]
What is the serum ACE test?
The ACE test measures how much angiotensin-converting enzyme is present in your blood. The test helps to diagnose and monitor a condition called sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a systemic disorder (affecting the entire body) of unknown cause that often affects the lungs. It may also affect other body organs including the eyes, skin, lymph nodes, nerves, liver, spleen, and heart. The ACE Test Price usually ranges from Rs 900 to Rs 1200 and in-home sample collection may be availed.
What is the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme in your body?
ACE is an enzyme that helps to convert angiotensin I into angiotensin II. This angiotensin II helps increase blood pressure by causing the small blood vessels in the body to narrow down. Thus, it helps control blood pressure.
ACE Test details in brief
Also Known As | Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme test, SACE Test |
Purpose | Diagnosis and monitoring of sarcoidosis |
Preparation | Overnight fasting is preferred |
Fasting | Yes |
Reporting Time | 8 to 24 Hrs. |
Cost | Rs. 900 to Rs. 1200 |
ACE Test Price
The ACE Test Price usually ranges from Rs 900 to Rs 1200. The actual price depends on the diagnostic center and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 200 diagnostic centers across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.
Price at Popular Diagnostic Centres
The table below lists the ACE prices at a few popular diagnostic centers.
Name of Lab | Test Price |
---|---|
Redcliffe Labs | Rs 1000 |
Dr Lal Path labs | Rs 1000 |
Thyrocare | Rs 600 |
Metropolis Healthcare | Rs 1100 |
SRL Diagnostics | Rs 1200 |
Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 1200 |
Cost in different cities
The table below lists the prices in different cities. You can click on the name of the city to get the list of diagnostic centres with their price and discount.
City | Test Price |
---|---|
Delhi | Rs 750 to Rs 1300 |
Mumbai | Rs 1100 to Rs 1500 |
Bangalore | Rs 1300 to Rs 1500 |
Hyderabad | Rs 600 to Rs 1500 |
Gurgaon | Rs 1100 to Rs 1200 |
Chennai | Rs 1300 to Rs 1500 |
Kolkata | Rs 1000 to Rs 1200 |
What is the purpose of the ACE Test?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) Test may be ordered by your doctor mainly for
- Diagnosis of sarcoidosis
- Monitoring the course of sarcoidosis and the effectiveness of corticosteroid therapy
- It helps to distinguish sarcoidosis from other systemic disorders having similar symptoms
Some symptoms of high ACE levels are-
People with sarcoidosis or high ACE level may show the following symptoms:
- Development of granulomas (tumor-like masses of immune cells and fibrous tissue) under the skin and other body organs
- Chronic (long-term) cough or shortness of breath
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Red, watery Eyes
- Fever and headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Unusual skin changes like rashes, etc.
ACE Test Preparation
Overnight fasting is preferred for the ACE test.
Do inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine both prescription and non-prescription, ayurvedic, etc. Your doctor may advise you to stop the ones that can affect the test results like antihypertensives ( drugs used for high BP). DO NOT stop any medication on your own.
ACE Test Procedure
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. A blood sample is taken from the vein in your arm or hand by the following steps-
- A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
- The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
- The site is cleaned with spirit.
- A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
- A blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
- Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
- A small band-aid is then placed which may be removed after an hour.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
Risks
It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that of any other blood test. These include-
- Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
- Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found
- Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
- Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.
Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.
Results and Interpretation
Have a look at the table below for the range of angiotensin-converting enzymes.
Normal Levels
The normal range of angiotensin-converting enzymes is between 8 to 52 units per liter.
Parameter | Range | Unit |
Angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE) | 8.00-52.00 | U/L |
Please note-
Sometimes deviation in ACE levels may also be seen in individuals due to the following factors-
- Smoking– ACE activity is lower in smokers by 30%.
- Thyroid hormone – stimulates the ACE synthesis
- ACE activity is 20% lower in patients undergoing post-menopausal estrogen replacement
- Patients taking medications like ACE inhibitors such as enalapril, captopril, etc will have very low ACE Levels
Abnormal Levels
Higher Values
Increased levels of ACE may be found in-
- Sarcoidosis– ACE levels are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of this systemic illness. Mature granulomas produce less ACE than developing ones.
- Lung-related (Pulmonary) causes like asthma, emphysema, small cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma
- Kidney-related (Renal) diseases – higher ACE levels are seen in patients undergoing hemodialysis
- Gaucher’s disease (inherited condition in which fat accumulates in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow causing pain, bone damage, and even death)
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of lymph tissue)
- Multiple sclerosis ( a condition affecting the brain and the spinal cord with symptoms that cause problems with vision, limb movement, etc.)
- Hyperthyroidism ( increased levels of thyroid hormone)
- Addison’s disease (decreased cortisol levels causing symptoms like abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, nausea, etc)
- Alcoholic hepatitis (liver inflammation due to chronic consumption of alcohol)
- Peptic ulcers ( ulcers in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is a part of the small intestine)
Lower values
Decrease levels of ACE may be seen in
- Chronic liver disease
- Anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder characterized by fear of gaining weight, thinness, food restriction, etc. )
- Hypothyroidism ( low levels of thyroid hormone)
Sample Report
Limitations
ACE levels will be higher in 50 to 80% of individuals with active sarcoidosis. However, normal ACE levels cannot be used to rule out sarcoidosis because it may be present without an elevated ACE level if the disease is in an inactive state or the cells do not produce an increased amount of ACE. ACE may also be normal in cases of chronic sarcoidosis.
Conclusion
The measure of Angiotensin-converting enzyme levels will help your doctor diagnose and monitor systemic diseases like sarcoidosis and Gaucher’s disease. It can also indicate other disorders but more tests may be needed for their diagnosis. Regardless of the results, it is essential for you to discuss them with your healthcare provider for a better understanding and course of action.
Exercise, meditate, breathe, and sleep well! We wish you a happy, healthy, and relaxed life!
FAQs
ACE test helps to diagnose and monitor a condition called sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a systemic disorder (affecting the entire body) of unknown cause that often affects the lungs.
Increased levels of ACE may be found in-
–Sarcoidosis
-Lung-related (Pulmonary) causes like asthma, emphysema, etc
-Patients undergoing hemodialysis
–Gaucher’s disease
–Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of lymph tissue)
–Multiple sclerosis ( a condition affecting the brain and the spinal cord)
-Hyperthyroidism ( increased levels of thyroid hormone)
–Addison’s disease (decreased cortisol levels)
-Alcoholic hepatitis (liver inflammation due to chronic consumption of alcohol)
-Peptic ulcers ( ulcers in the lining of the stomach or duodenum)
Yes. Overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is preferred.
The cells surrounding granulomas (formed under the skin and in organs throughout the body in patients with sarcoidosis) can produce increased amounts of ACE and the blood level of ACE may increase when sarcoidosis is present.
The normal range of angiotensin-converting enzyme is between 8 to 52 units per liter.
Sources
ACE blood test Information | Mount Sinai – New York
ACE blood test | Canoe.Com
How to book ACE Test?
₹1000 ₹2499
ACE Test
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.