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Test Code ALS Aldolase, Serum

Reporting Name

Aldolase, S

Useful For

Detection of muscle disease

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum Red


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.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Red Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  60 days

Reference Values

<18 years: <14.5 U/L

≥18 years: <7.7 U/L

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

82085

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
ALS Aldolase, S 1761-6

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
ALS Aldolase, S 1761-6

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.

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Specimen Retention Time

7 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus Reject

Method Name

Photometric

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a General Request (T239) with the specimen.