Diagnosis

Pseudocholinesterase deficiency may be suspected when you have problems recovering muscle control and breathing after receiving the muscle relaxant succinylcholine or mivacurium as part of anesthesia. A blood test can be done to measure pseudocholinesterase enzyme activity.

To diagnose inherited pseudocholinesterase deficiency, the abnormal gene that causes the condition are identified using genetic testing. A sample of your blood is collected and sent to a lab for analysis. Ask your doctor if family members should be tested before surgery as well.