Approximately two thirds of patients with active sarcoidosis will have raised levels of ACE, with the highest levels being associated with extensive and clinically florid disease. If it is elevated, it may be useful for monitoring the activity of the disease.
It is not a sensitive or specific test for sarcoidosis, but can be a useful confirmatory test if there is clinical and radiological evidence to support the diagnosis.
ACE is also increased markedly in Gaucher's disease, and may also be increased in association with pulmonary conditions such as asbestosis, silicosis, and atypical bacterial infections, as well as non-pulmonary conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism and alcoholic liver disease.
CSF ACE : Although CSF ACE is raised in a proportion of patients with neurosarcoidosis, it is too insensitive and nonspecific to be useful as a marker for this condition.
Specialist Biochemistry
ACEC
Specialist Chemistry- Freezer
Mild/Gross haemolysis reject
Refrigerated 7 days, frozen (preferred) 180 days
CSF ACE
8 weeks
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