Aldolase Test

Aldolase Test

Article
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
Digestive Health
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAJul 14, 2019

What are the other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

  • Test for Aldolase

What is Aldolase Test? (Background Information)

  • Aldolase is an enzyme (a protein causing specific chemical changes) found throughout the body. The enzyme helps to break certain types of sugars into energy and is particularly found in high amounts, in the muscles
  • Whenever a muscle is diseased or damaged, the cells of the muscle breakdown to release its contents, into blood. One of the content is aldolase, which can then be detected by a blood test
  • Aldolase can also be found in blood, during damage to the cells of liver or heart. But, these levels may be less, compared to that observed during muscle damage
  • Aldolase Test is usually performed to diagnose and monitor diseases related to the muscles and liver
  • Nowadays, Aldolase Test has largely replaced other specific blood tests, such as CK (creatine kinase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), for muscle or liver damage

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Aldolase Test?

Aldolase Test is generally performed to diagnose and monitor diseases related to skeletal muscles and liver.

How is the Specimen Collected for Aldolase Test?

Sample required: Blood

Process: Insertion of needle into the vein (arm)

Preparation required: Overnight fasting for 8-10 hours is required, prior to this test. Avoid any exercising before this test. Some medications may interfere with the test results, hence please inform the healthcare provider about all medications that you currently take.

What is the Significance of the Aldolase Test Result?

Aldolase levels can be high due to:

  • Damage to the skeletal muscles
  • Muscular dystrophy – a group of diseases affecting the muscles causing weakness and muscle loss
  • Dermatomyositis – a disorder characterized by swelling and tenderness of skin and muscles
  • Polymyositis – a chronic disorder characterized by swelling and tenderness of muscles and muscles damage
  • Hepatitis – injury and damage to the liver cells
  • Infectious mononucleosis – a viral infection producing flu-like symptoms
  • Heart attack
  • Liver, pancreatic, or prostate cancer

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

Reference range for aldolase is 1.0 to 7.5 units per liter, with slight variation due to gender and different laboratory procedures. The healthcare provider evaluates the result keeping in mind different factors.

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider, the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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