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HelpEpic Test Code LAB556 Aldolase, Serum
Additional Codes
MML Code: ALS
NY State Approved
YesPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Reporting Name
Aldolase, SMethod Name
Photometric
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 60 days |
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt 5 mL Aliquot Tube (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Within 1 hour of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
2. Send refrigerated.
Blood Tube Draw Volume
Min 50% draw volume
Specimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Reference Values
<18 years: <14.5 U/L
≥18 years: <7.7 U/L
Report Available
1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
CPT Code Information
82085
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Useful For
Detection of muscle disease
Clinical Information
Aldolase is necessary for glycolysis in muscle as a rapid response pathway for production of adenosine triphosphate independent of tissue oxygen.
Aldolase catalyzes the conversion of fructose 1,6-diphosphate into dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, an important reaction in the glycolytic breakdown of glucose to lactate in muscle.
Aldolase is a tetramer whose primary structure depends upon the tissue from which it was synthesized (highest expression in liver, muscle, brain).
Elevated values are found in muscle diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. While elevated creatinine kinase (CK) levels are more sensitive and specific for muscle disease, occasionally elevated aldolase is observed in some patients with myositis that have normal CK values.
Interpretation
Measuring serum muscle enzymes is common in the evaluation of patients with muscle weakness or muscle myalgia. When elevated, serum muscle enzymes can help differentiate muscle disease derived muscle weakness from a neurogenic cause. The highest levels of aldolase are found in progressive (Duchenne) muscular dystrophy. Lesser elevations are found in dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. In dystrophic conditions causing hyperaldolasemia, the increase in aldolase becomes less dramatic as muscle mass decreases.
Cautions
No significant cautionary statements
Specimen Retention Time
7 daysForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a General Request (T239) with the specimen.