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ACE
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The Test Sample
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What is being tested?Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is an enzyme which helps regulate blood pressure. It converts of angiotensin I (an inactive protein) to angiotensin II which causes arteries to contract, making them temporarily narrower and increasing the pressure of the blood flowing through them. ACE is produced throughout the body, but is especially concentrated in the lungs. It is normally found in high levels in the blood in those less than 20 years of age, but then drops to lower levels in healthy adults.
Increased amounts of ACE are sometimes produced by cells found at the outside borders of granulomas. They are a classic feature of sarcoidosis, a disorder the course of which is unknown that often affects the lungs but may also affect many other body organs including the eyes, skin, nerves, liver, and heart. About 50-80% of patients with active sarcoidosis will have elevated levels of ACE that will rise and fall as the severity of the disease changes. Granulomas, fibrosis, and elevated ACE levels may also be seen in infections such as leprosy and tuberculosis. The granulomas form around the invading bacteria or irritant particles in poisons such as beryllium, asbestos, and silicon.
How is the sample collected for testing?A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
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This page was last modified on
April 8, 2008.
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