Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Test- Why am I having this test?
Angiotensin converting enzyme test is ordered mainly to help diagnose and monitor sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis is the presence of irritated and swollen (inflamed) cells in the body, especially in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin.
The inflamed cells form lumps (granulomas) in the body. The ACE test is also ordered to examine long-term (chronic) problems that are suspected to be caused by sarcoidosis.
What is being tested?
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is an enzyme produced in the body to help regulate blood pressure. In patients with sarcoidosis, the cells surrounding granulomas make increased amounts of ACE. As a result, the blood level of ACE may increase when sarcoidosis is present.
What kind of sample is taken?
A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
How do I prepare for this test?
- Tell your health care provider if you take steroids or a type of blood pressure medicine called ACE inhibitors. Steroids and ACE inhibitors can decrease the levels of ACE in your blood.
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as a range. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, a common reference range is:
- 8–53 units/L.
What do the results mean?
Results that are within the reference range are considered normal, meaning that you have a normal amount of ACE in your blood.
Results that are higher than the reference range may be caused by:
- Sarcoidosis.
- Other diseases such as Gaucher disease, tuberculosis, leprosy, alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis), certain types of cancer, and diabetes (diabetes mellitus).
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) test is ordered mainly to help diagnose and monitor sarcoidosis.
- The blood level of ACE may increase when sarcoidosis is present.
- Tell your health care provider if you take steroids or a type of blood pressure medicine called ACE inhibitors. These medicines can decrease the levels of ACE in your blood.
