Clinical Utilities
Angiotensin-converting enzyme is increased in some cases of active sarcoidosis. Sensitivity about 75%, specificity about 95%. The sensitivity increases with the stage of the disease. Serial ACE determinations may be helpful in following the clinical course of sarcoidosis or to monitor the effectiveness of corticosteroid therapy. Elevated ACE levels will return to normal in sarcoidosis as a result of spontaneous or corticosteroid-induced remission. Decreased ACE activity is found in patients having chronic obstructive lung disease, lung cancer, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis. Patients with active tuberculosis generally have decreased activity though approximately 6% will show increases in ACE levels.

CPT Codes
82164

Reference Range

Component Information

Name		ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME SERUM
Method		KS
CPT Code		82164
Units		Units
Ref Range		14-70
Reflex Reason

Collection Notes
ACE activity in patients under captopril medication increases as a 
function of the duration of storage.  To prevent any loss of ACE 
inhibition, sera of patients under captropril medication should be 
assayed within 4 hours after blood collection.  Specimens may be kept
frozen (-78C) for up to 12 days.  This phenomenon does not occur in 
sera of patients treated with other ACE inhibitors such as enalapril.

Additional Comments