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HelpEpic Code LAB556 Aldolase, Serum
Additional Codes
Mayo Code: ALS
Epic Code: LAB556
Interface Order Alias: 10078
Former Cerner Code: 8067
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Useful For
Detection of muscle disease
Specimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge within 1 hour of collection and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
2. Send refrigerated.
COLLECTION NOTE: Volumes listed are in serum or plasma, draw approximately 2 1/2 times the requested volume in whole blood.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 60 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Reference Values
<18 years: <14.5 U/L
≥18 years: <7.7 U/L
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 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.
Cautions
No significant cautionary statements
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 dystrophy. In dystrophic conditions causing hyperaldolasemia, the increase in aldolase becomes less dramatic as muscle mass decreases.
Reporting Name
Aldolase, SMethod Name
Photometric
Method Description
The aldolase activity is determined from the rate at which NADH is oxidized to NAD and is measured photometrically by a decrease in absorbance. For each mole of substrate hydrolyzed, 2 moles of coenzyme (NADH) are oxidized. This 1:2 ratio is applied in the calculation of aldolase activity. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is present in the reagent for the purpose of eliminating interference from endogenous pyruvate in the specimen.(Package insert: Roche Aldolase Reagent. Roche Diagnostics; V 4.0, 05/2017)
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 |
Report Available
1 to 3 daysTest 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.Clinical Reference
1. Bohlmeyer TJ, Wu AH, Perryman MB: Evaluation of laboratory tests as a guide to diagnosis and therapy of myositis. Rheum Dis Clin of North Am. 1994 Nov;20(4):845-856
2. Bohan A, Peter JB, Bowman RL, Pearson CM: Computer-assisted analysis of 153 patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Medicine (Baltimore). 1977 Jul;56(4):255-286. doi: 10.1097/00005792-197707000-00001
3. Thompson RA, Vignos PJ Jr: Serum aldolase in muscle disease. AMA Arch Intern Med. 1959 Apr;103(4):551-564. doi: 10.1001/archinte.1959.00270040037004
4. Ganguly A: Management of muscular dystrophy during osteoarthritis disorder: A topical phytotherapeutic treatment protocol. Caspian J Intern Med. 2019;10(2):183-196. doi: 10.22088/cjim.10.2.183
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a General Request (T239) with the specimen.