How do we interpret cholinesterase results when performing case classification?
Answer 4. Each State may choose to develop its own internal guidelines. The following very cursory discussion is provided to assist States in this process. Cholinesterase depression is defined as one or more of the following: a. 30% depression from baseline (pre-exposure or 60 to 90 days post-exposure) red blood count cholinesterase level b. 40% depression from baseline plasma cholinesterase level c. Cholinesterase level below laboratory normal range The level of depression may be determined by serial post-exposure testing if a baseline test is not available. (For example, testing 2 weeks and 4 weeks post exposure show a gradual increase in cholinesterase by percentages in 1 and 2 above, over the levels at initial testing.) A test that shows significant depression as described above should be considered evidence of exposure and ranked as meeting criteria A1c. It should also be considered evidence for a new post-exposure health effect and helps to meet the criteria for B1 (an additional
