Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesProcedureWhat to ExpectInterpreting ResultsCauses of High Aldolase LevelsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Procedure
What to Expect
Interpreting Results
Causes of High Aldolase Levels
Frequently Asked Questions
Read on to learn why the aldolase test is performed and what an abnormal level could mean.
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Aldolase Test Uses
Your healthcare provider may order an aldolase test when they suspect certain muscle disorders. The aldolase test can also help determine the causes of muscle weakness (myopathy). If the cause of muscle weakness is neurologic (related to thenervous system) aldolase levels will not be elevated, while if a muscular problem causes the weakness, aldolase levels will be elevated.
The aldolase test may be ordered if you are experiencing muscle weakness or pain. However, the test is nonspecific, meaning that it does not indicate an exact diagnosis. For example, based on this test alone, you cannot differentiate between a liver or a muscle problem. However, in combination with other tests, an aldolase test can help guide further testing to determine the cause of muscle symptoms.
Aldolase Test Procedure
The aldolase test is a blood test and requiresvenipuncture(drawing blood from a vein).A vein in the arm is typically used, and the overlying skin is cleaned. An elastic band is then wrapped around the upper arm to make the vein plump and easier to puncture. Then a needle is placed into the vein, and blood is collected in a tube, which is then sent for laboratory testing.
Before you have a blood draw for the aldolase test,you may be asked to fastand avoid exercise for a certain period of time, since exercise can transiently increase aldolase levels.
The aldolase test, like any blood draw, may cause mild pain, bleeding, and bruising at the puncture site. Some people experience nausea or feel faint with blood draws. If you feel dizzy, notify the technician, who may ask you to lie down or provide water for you to drink. You should also notify your healthcare provider if you develop signs of infection, like redness, warmth, pain, and swelling at the puncture site.
Test results can take anywhere from hours to a few days.
The normal range of aldolase in the blood can vary between the specific laboratory, but in general, a normal aldolase level in adults is between 1 and 7.5 units per liter.Levels may be slightly higher in men, and are higher in infants and children.
Any problem with muscles can lead to elevated aldolase levels. Some specific conditions are classically associated with elevated levels, and when these conditions are suspected, aldolase tests are often ordered.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy(DMD) is an inherited muscle disorder, typically diagnosed in childhood. Due to the genetics of the condition (X-linked recessive), this condition occurs in males. In this condition, muscles become progressively weak, starting in the shoulder and pelvic regions, and spreading throughout the body.This leads to difficulty walking, standing, and even falls. In later stages, the heart muscle can be affected, leading tocardiomyopathy(heart muscleweakness).
If muscular dystrophy is suspected, an aldolase lab test is performed. Levels of aldolase in DMD may be very elevated, due to the widespread muscle damage in this condition.
Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositisis an inflammatory condition that causes skin rash and muscle weakness. Although the symptoms of dermatomyositis vary, it causes soreness and weakness that will affect the muscles in the upper arms, legs, shoulders, and hips. A rash can appear on the face, hands, arms, and skin overlying joints. Symptoms often come and go.
Inflammation of the muscles results in the elevation of aldolase levels. And the elevation of aldolase is one of the criteria for diagnosing dermatomyositis.
Polymyositis
Similar to dermatomyositis,polymyositisis an inflammatory condition affecting the muscles, causing them to become weaker. It does not typically cause a skin rash. Aldolase and other muscle enzymes are elevated in polymyositis, which is the criteria for diagnosing this condition. Muscle biopsy is often required for a definitive diagnosis.
Summary
Aldolase is an enzyme found in high levels in muscle and liver tissue that is elevated in certain conditions. A healthcare provider may order this test, along with other testing, when a muscle condition is suspected. The aldolase test is performed with a blood draw. Because it is nonspecific, meaning it is not tied to just one condition, other lab tests, imaging studies, and muscle biopsy may be performed to arrive at a diagnosis.
A Word From Verywell
Having muscle pain and weakness is not only unpleasant but can be confusing and frustrating when you are trying to figure out what is wrong. Many conditions can cause these symptoms. Getting lab tests, including an aldolase test, is one of the first steps in figuring out the cause.
Aldolase is an enzyme found in high levels in muscles and the liver. It is responsible for breaking down certain sugars. A deficiency of aldolase can cause a congenital condition called hereditary fructose intolerance.Learn MoreAldolase Deficiency- Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
Aldolase is an enzyme found in high levels in muscles and the liver. It is responsible for breaking down certain sugars. A deficiency of aldolase can cause a congenital condition called hereditary fructose intolerance.
Learn MoreAldolase Deficiency- Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Aldolase blood test.The Myositis Association.Blood tests.Medline Plus.Venipuncture.Kanda K, Sugama K, Sakuma J, Kawakami Y, Suzuki K.Evaluation of serum leaking enzymes and investigation into new biomarkers for exercise-induced muscle damage.Exerc Immunol Rev. 2014;20:39-54.Mayo Clinic.Serum aldolase.Casciola-Rosen L, Hall JC, Mammen AL, Christopher-Stine L, Rosen A.Isolated elevation of aldolase in the serum of myositis patients: a potential biomarker of damaged early regenerating muscle cells.Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2012;30(4):548-553. PMID:22703875National Organization for Rare Disorders.Duchenne muscular dystrophy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Dermatomyositis.The Myositis Association.Diagnostic criteria for dermatomyositis.The Myositis Association.Polymyositis.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Hereditary fructose intolerance.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Aldolase blood test.The Myositis Association.Blood tests.Medline Plus.Venipuncture.Kanda K, Sugama K, Sakuma J, Kawakami Y, Suzuki K.Evaluation of serum leaking enzymes and investigation into new biomarkers for exercise-induced muscle damage.Exerc Immunol Rev. 2014;20:39-54.Mayo Clinic.Serum aldolase.Casciola-Rosen L, Hall JC, Mammen AL, Christopher-Stine L, Rosen A.Isolated elevation of aldolase in the serum of myositis patients: a potential biomarker of damaged early regenerating muscle cells.Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2012;30(4):548-553. PMID:22703875National Organization for Rare Disorders.Duchenne muscular dystrophy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Dermatomyositis.The Myositis Association.Diagnostic criteria for dermatomyositis.The Myositis Association.Polymyositis.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Hereditary fructose intolerance.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Aldolase blood test.The Myositis Association.Blood tests.Medline Plus.Venipuncture.Kanda K, Sugama K, Sakuma J, Kawakami Y, Suzuki K.Evaluation of serum leaking enzymes and investigation into new biomarkers for exercise-induced muscle damage.Exerc Immunol Rev. 2014;20:39-54.Mayo Clinic.Serum aldolase.Casciola-Rosen L, Hall JC, Mammen AL, Christopher-Stine L, Rosen A.Isolated elevation of aldolase in the serum of myositis patients: a potential biomarker of damaged early regenerating muscle cells.Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2012;30(4):548-553. PMID:22703875National Organization for Rare Disorders.Duchenne muscular dystrophy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Dermatomyositis.The Myositis Association.Diagnostic criteria for dermatomyositis.The Myositis Association.Polymyositis.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Hereditary fructose intolerance.
MedlinePlus.Aldolase blood test.
The Myositis Association.Blood tests.
Medline Plus.Venipuncture.
Kanda K, Sugama K, Sakuma J, Kawakami Y, Suzuki K.Evaluation of serum leaking enzymes and investigation into new biomarkers for exercise-induced muscle damage.Exerc Immunol Rev. 2014;20:39-54.
Mayo Clinic.Serum aldolase.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Dermatomyositis.
The Myositis Association.Diagnostic criteria for dermatomyositis.
The Myositis Association.Polymyositis.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Hereditary fructose intolerance.
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