Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Test
Short Name: ACE Test
Also known as: Serum ACE Test, ACE Level Test, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Blood Test, SACE Test, ACE Serum Test
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,170. Uses FAPGG (Furylacryloyl-Phenylalanyl-Glycyl-Glycine) Kinetic Assay on Serum samples. Results in Reports are typically available within 24 hours. You will receive your results via the DNA Labs India online portal, email, or WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the ACE test is to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of sarcoidosis, a systemic granulomatous disorder. The test measures serum ACE levels, which are elevated in approximately 60% of patients with active sarcoidosis due to increased production by epithelioid cells within granulomas. Beyond sarcoidosis, the ACE test may also assist in evaluating other conditions such as Gaucher disease, leprosy, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis, and certain lung diseases. The test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in sarcoidosis patients, as decreasing ACE levels may indicate a positive response to corticosteroid therapy.
- Test Code
- 131
- CPT Code
- 82164
- ICD Code
- D86.0
- Price
- ₹1,170
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available within 24 hours. You will receive your results via the DNA Labs India online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- Yes (10 hours)
- Method
- FAPGG (Furylacryloyl-Phenylalanyl-Glycyl-Glycine) Kinetic Assay
Sample Collection
Overnight fasting for at least 10-12 hours is preferred. Inform your physician about all current medications, especially ACE inhibitors, corticosteroids, or any immunosuppressive drugs, as these may significantly affect test results. Avoid vigorous physical activity prior to sample collection.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A blood sample of approximately 2 mL will be drawn from a vein in your arm (venipuncture) using a sterile needle and collected into a Serum Separator Tube (SST). The procedure typically takes 3-5 minutes and may involve minimal discomfort at the puncture site.
Report Delivery
Apply gentle pressure with cotton or a bandage at the puncture site for 3-5 minutes. Avoid heavy lifting with the arm used for blood draw for at least one hour. You may resume normal activities and diet immediately after sample collection unless otherwise directed by your physician.
Timeline: Reports are typically available within 24 hours. You will receive your results via the DNA Labs India online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the ACE test is to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of sarcoidosis, a systemic granulomatous disorder. The test measures serum ACE levels, which are elevated in approximately 60% of patients with active sarcoidosis due to increased production by epithelioid cells within granulomas. Beyond sarcoidosis, the ACE test may also assist in evaluating other conditions such as Gaucher disease, leprosy, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis, and certain lung diseases. The test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in sarcoidosis patients, as decreasing ACE levels may indicate a positive response to corticosteroid therapy.
How to Prepare
- Overnight fasting (10-12 hours) is preferred before sample collection
- Inform the phlebotomist about any medications currently being taken, particularly ACE inhibitors or steroids
- 2 mL (1 mL min.) serum from 1 SST is required
- Ship the sample refrigerated or frozen to maintain sample integrity
- Avoid haemolysis during blood collection
- Label the sample correctly with patient name, date, and time of collection
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"The ACE test is an important diagnostic adjunct in evaluating suspected sarcoidosis, particularly in patients presenting with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy or unexplained pulmonary infiltrates. Elevated serum ACE levels correlate with granulomatous disease burden, making this test valuable for both diagnosis and monitoring treatment response. However, ACE levels should always be interpreted alongside clinical findings, imaging studies, and histopathological confirmation. Normal ACE levels do not entirely rule out sarcoidosis, as levels can vary with disease stage, steroid therapy, and individual patient factors such as age and ACE genotype polymorphisms."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Haemolysed sample
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 1 mL serum)
- Improperly labeled or unlabeled samples
- Sample collected in incorrect tube type (non-SST)
- Sample stored at room temperature beyond 2 hours
- Clotted or contaminated sample
Understanding Your Results
ACE levels within the reference range suggest no significant granulomatous disease burden. However, normal levels do not entirely exclude sarcoidosis, particularly in inactive disease or in patients on treatment.
Action: Correlate with clinical symptoms, chest imaging, and other laboratory findings.
Elevated serum ACE is suggestive of active granulomatous disease, most commonly sarcoidosis. Other causes include Gaucher disease, leprosy, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and alcoholic liver disease.
Action: Correlate with chest X-ray or CT scan, tissue biopsy, serum calcium, lysozyme levels, and pulmonary function tests. Refer to a pulmonologist or chest physician for further evaluation.
Decreased ACE levels may be seen in patients taking ACE inhibitor medications, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in hypothyroidism, or as a treatment response marker in sarcoidosis patients receiving corticosteroid therapy.
Action: Review medication history. In sarcoidosis patients on treatment, decreasing ACE levels may indicate therapeutic response.
Consult your doctor if your ACE test results are elevated, especially if you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, skin rashes, eye inflammation, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes. Elevated ACE levels require further evaluation with imaging (chest X-ray or CT scan), tissue biopsy, and additional laboratory tests to confirm a diagnosis. If you are already being treated for sarcoidosis, discuss any changes in your ACE levels with your physician to assess treatment effectiveness and adjust therapy if needed.
Limitations
- ⚠ACE levels are elevated in only approximately 60% of patients with active sarcoidosis; a normal result does not rule out the disease
- ⚠ACE levels are non-specific and can be elevated in multiple conditions beyond sarcoidosis
- ⚠ACE inhibitor medications cause marked reduction in ACE levels, making the test unreliable in patients taking these drugs
- ⚠The test cannot differentiate between sarcoidosis and other granulomatous diseases such as tuberculosis
- ⚠ACE genotype polymorphisms (I/D polymorphism) can cause variation in normal ACE levels, affecting interpretation
- ⚠ACE levels tend to be higher in children and may not reflect disease in paediatric populations without age-adjusted reference ranges
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or swelling at the blood collection site
- ●Slight pain or discomfort during venipuncture
- ●Rare risk of infection at the puncture site
- ●Rare risk of fainting or dizziness during blood draw
- ●Minimal risk of excessive bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders
Interfering Factors
- ●Use of ACE inhibitor medications (e.g., enalapril, ramipril, lisinopril) significantly reduces ACE levels and may produce falsely low results
- ●Steroid or corticosteroid therapy can lower ACE levels, potentially masking active sarcoidosis
- ●ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism affects baseline ACE levels; the DD genotype is associated with higher ACE levels independent of disease
- ●Smoking may influence ACE levels
- ●Sample hemolysis or improper storage may affect test accuracy
- ●Non-fasting samples may show minor variations in enzyme levels
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Test | Serum Lysozyme | Serum Calcium | Chest X-Ray / CT Scan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACE test and why is it done?
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