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Cholinesterase Unit Converter
Cholinesterase refers to a family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of choline esters. In clinical practice, two distinct types are measured: Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), found in red blood cells and nerve endings, and Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), also known as plasma or pseudocholinesterase, which is synthesized in the liver and circulates in the blood.[Image of acetylcholinesterase reaction mechanism]
Serum cholinesterase (BChE) is primarily used as a marker of liver function (levels decrease in liver failure) and to screen for organophosphate poisoning (pesticides inhibit cholinesterase activity). It is also critical for identifying patients with genetic variants (atypical cholinesterase) who are at risk of prolonged apnea after receiving the muscle relaxant succinylcholine during anesthesia. Results are reported in activity units (U/L or µkat/L). This converter ensures accurate switching between these standards.
SI Units
RecommendedMicrokatals and Nanokatals per liter.
Conventional Units
Clinical Context
Reference Ranges: Serum cholinesterase levels vary by method but are typically 5,300 – 12,900 U/L (5.3 – 12.9 kU/L) in healthy adults.
Decreased levels (< 50% of normal) indicate significant exposure to organophosphates or severe liver dysfunction. In anesthesia, a “Dibucaine Number” is often calculated to identify genetic variants, but measuring total activity is the first step. The conversion factor follows standard enzyme kinetics: 1 kU/L = 1000 U/L ≈ 16.67 µkat/L.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., U/L). You can use either dot or comma decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator works in real-time. As you type in one field, all other units (like kU/L or µkat/L) are instantly updated.
Verify Units
Check the SI Units section. Both µkat/L and nkat/L are provided for standard compliance.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
kU/L stands for Kilo-Units per Liter. 1 kU/L = 1000 U/L. This unit is often used because raw values in U/L can be very high (e.g., 12,000 U/L).
Cholinesterase is an enzyme. We measure its activity, not its mass. Therefore, units like U/L or katals are used.