1. Should everyone be tested for cholinesterase?
No. It should be tested if the individual or close family member has experienced post operative paralysis requiring ventilation or if someone is in potential contact with organic phosphorus chemicals regularly in the workplace.
2. What happens if I have an atypical phenotype?
The report from the laboratory will be sent to the requesting doctor and placed in your medical notes. You should also be given a medical warning card that can be shown to any surgical team in the future to enable the anaesthetist to give a safe muscle relaxant for you.
3. What is a cholinesterase genotype?
These are the genes for cholinesterase inherited by someone from their parents. This can be established in the laboratory using DNA techniques.
4. What is a cholinesterase phenotype?
This can be determined by defining the properties of the enzyme protein structure. The phenotype is derived by measuring the response of the cholinesterase enzyme to a range of enzyme inhibitors.
