Fluid Ace
Why Performed | Fluid Ace
Doctors most often use the ACE level test to monitor a disease called sarcoidosis. This condition causes inflammatory cells called granulomas to form in the body, leading to organ inflammation.
Organs that may be affected by sarcoidosis include:
- lungs
- skin
- eyes
- lymph nodes
- liver
- heart
- spleen
People with sarcoidosis may experience fatigue, fever, and unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms include:
- night sweats
- a loss of appetite
- swollen lymph nodes
- joint pain
- dry mouth
- nosebleeds
The granulomas associated with sarcoidosis increase the amount of ACE in the blood. A doctor may use the ACE level test to help confirm a sarcoidosis diagnosis or to monitor treatment for sarcoidosis.
Your doctor may also use the ACE level test to assess the effectiveness of treatments for other medical conditions.
One condition that may be monitored with an ACE level test is Gaucher’s disease.
This is an inherited condition that causes fatty substances called lipids to build up in cells and internal organs. Symptoms include easy bruising, fatigue, and bone pain.
High levels of the ACE enzyme can suggest you have Gaucher’s disease and can also be used to track response to medical therapy.
Other conditions that may cause lower-than-normal ACE levels include:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- hypothyroidism
- cystic fibrosis
- emphysema
Conditions that may cause higher-than-normal levels of ACE include:
- cirrhosis
- Gaucher’s disease
- psoriasis
- amyloidosis
- diabetes
- HIV
- histoplasmosis
- hyperthyroidism
- (Hansen’s disease) leprosy
- lymphoma
- tuberculosis
While an ACE level test can help reveal signs of underlying medical conditions, the test is rarely used to diagnose these conditions. Other tests are usually done along with an ACE level test be fore a diagnosis is confirmed.
Preparation | Fluid Ace
The ACE level test doesn’t require any special preparations. You won’t need to fast or refrain from taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications before the test is completed.
However, you may want to notify your healthcare provider about any blood-thinning medications you may be taking.
They may need to hold some extra pressure on the puncture site after the blood draw to ensure you don’t experience excessive bleeding.
How Performed | Fluid Ace
A blood sample is needed.