Aldolase Test- Why am I having this test?
Aldolase test is used to help diagnose and monitor disorders that affect the muscles or liver.
What is being tested?
This test measures aldolase in your blood. Aldolase is a natural chemical (enzyme) that is found in most tissues of the body. It helps to convert blood sugar (glucose) into energy. The amount of aldolase in the blood goes up (increases) when there is muscle or liver damage. Many different medicines can also cause increased levels of this enzyme.
What kind of sample is taken?
A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
How do I prepare for this test?
- Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions. You may need to stop eating or drinking (may need to fast) for a short period of time before the test to get more accurate results.
- Tell your health care provider about all medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- On the day before the test and the day of the test, avoid activities and exercises that take a lot of effort.
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as values. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal values that were established after testing a large group of people (reference values). Reference values may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference values are:
- Adult: 1–7.5 units/L.
- Children:
- Newborn to 30 days: 6–32 units/L.
- Age 1 month to 6 years: 3–12 units/L.
- Age 7–17 years: 3.3–9.7 units/L.
What do the results mean?
If results are within the reference range, they are considered normal.
Increased levels of aldolase may be a sign of:
- A muscular disease, such as muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, or polymyositis.
- Muscle injury.
- Liver disease.
- Heart attack.
- An infection, such as trichinosis or mononucleosis.
Decreased levels of aldolase may be a sign of:
- Muscle-wasting diseases.
- Being unable to absorb a natural sugar that is in things like fruit, fruit juices, and honey (hereditary fructose intolerance).
- Late-stage muscular dystrophy (MD).
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- An aldolase test is used to help diagnose and monitor disorders that affect the muscles or liver.
- Aldolase is a natural chemical (enzyme) that is found in most tissues of the body. The amount of aldolase in the blood rises when there is muscle or liver damage.
- For this test, a blood sample is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
- Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.