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Aldolase

CPT

82085

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  • Updated on 03/17/2025

Test Details

Methodology

Kinetic − 340 nm at 37°C

Result Turnaround Time

2 - 3 days

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Related Documents

Use

Evaluate muscle wasting process. High levels are found in progressive Duchenne muscular dystrophy (MD). Elevations occur in carriers of MD, in limb-girdle dystrophy and other dystrophies, in dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and trichinosis, but not in neurogenic atrophies (eg, multiple sclerosis or in myasthenia gravis).

Limitations

As muscle mass diminishes, aldolase decreases. Serum aldolase elevation is not specific for muscle disease since it is present in many tissues (see Additional Information).

Footnotes

1. Visnapuu LA, Karlson LK, Dubinsky EH, Szer IS, Hirsch CA. Pediatric reference ranges for serum aldolase. Am J Clin Pathol. 1989 Apr; 91(4):476-477. 2929505
2. Gendler SM. Aldolase. In: Pesce AJ, Kaplan LA, eds. Methods in Clinical Chemistry. St Louis, Mo: Mosby-Year Book Inc; 1987: 872-875.
3. Leibovici L, Sharir T, Kalter-Leibovici O, Alpert G, Epstein LM. An outbreak of measles among young adults. Clinical and laboratory features in 461 patients. J Adolesc Health Care. 1988 May; 9(3):203-207. 3372286
4. Gavish D, Kleinman Y, Morag A, Chajek-Shaul T. Hepatitis and jaundice associated with measles in young adults. An analysis of 65 cases. Arch Intern Med. 1983 Apr; 143(4):674-677. 6838292
5. Kilbourne EM, Swygert LA, Philen RM, et al, Interim guidance on the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Ann Intern Med. 1990 Jan 15; 112(2):85-86. 2153013

Custom Additional Information

In the progressive dystrophies, aldolase levels may be 10 to 15 times normal when muscle mass is relatively intact, as in early stages of the disease. When advanced muscle wasting is present, values decline. In the inflammatory myopathies (eg, dermatomyositis) serum aldolase (as well as CK) levels may be applied to monitoring the response to steroid therapy. They are of particular value in guiding tapering of steroid administration.1 No elevation is found in muscular dystrophy secondary to alteration of the nerves or nerve centers.

Aldolase is present as a tetramer composed of two of three known subunits designated A, B, and C. Of the four isoenzymes, AAAA is predominant in skeletal muscle, BBBB predominates in liver, and CCCC in brain and other tissue. A hybrid isoenzyme, AAAC is present in tissues but at a lower concentration.2 The enzymatic method determines total enzyme activity and thus is not specific for muscle aldolase.

Elevated aldolase levels may be found with hepatitis, other liver diseases, myocardial infarction, hemorrhagic pancreatitis, gangrene, delirium tremens, and in some cases of neoplasia. In cases of acute viral hepatitis, increase in serum aldolase tends to parallel ALT (SGPT) levels and is usually up to 20 times the average of normal. Normal results are usually obtained in portal cirrhosis and obstructive jaundice. A small fraction of cases of measles in young adults has been reported to have significant elevations of serum CK and aldolase.3,4 Serum aldolase and CK may be elevated in the serum of patients who have taken L-tryptophan and develop eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome.5

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Serum or plasma

Volume

0.5 mL

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)

Container

Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube for serum; or plasma may be used from blue-top (sodium citrate) tube, gray-top (sodium fluoride) tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, or green-top (heparin) tube

Collection Instructions

Separate serum or plasma immediately after coagulation (30 minutes). Note: Not removing refrigerated specimens from the clot results in aldolase levels 12% to 46% higher.

Stability Requirements

TemperaturePeriod
Room temperature1 day
Refrigerated7 days
Frozen15 days
Freeze/thaw cyclesStable x3

Reference Range

• 0 to 30 days: Not established

• 31 days to 1 year: 5.0−11.7 units/L

• >1 year: 3.3−10.3 units/L

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate.

Causes for Rejection

Hemolysis (red cells contain aldolase); gross lipemia

Hemolysis (red cells contain aldolase)

Hemolysis (red cells contain aldolase); gross lipemia

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
002030 Aldolase 1761-6 002030 Aldolase U/L 1761-6
Order Code002030
Order Code NameAldolase
Order Loinc1761-6
Result Code002030
Result Code NameAldolase
UofMU/L
Result LOINC1761-6